Himachal Pradesh reels under flood fury; four districts in Uttarakhand on landslide alert

MANDI: The Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh remains severely affected by relentless monsoon rains. According to data from June 20 onwards, the death toll has risen to 78. The state has reported 23 flash floods, 19 cloudbursts, and 16 landslides during this period, resulting in estimated damages exceeding Rs 541 crore. So far, 78 people have lost their lives, and 37 remain missing. Search operations are ongoing to trace the missing individuals. Around 115 people have been reported injured.

A total of 243 roads, including two national highways, have been closed. Additionally, 278 power transformers have been damaged, disrupting electricity supply to thousands of households. Due to heavy flooding, 261 waterways have also been shut down. The Himachal Cooperative Bank in Thunag in Mandi district suffered extensive damage. The ground floor of the bank is submerged in water and debris. Concerned about theft, local traders have been forced to stand guard to protect valuables stored within the bank.

The bank is estimated to have incurred losses worth crores, with jewellery losses alone amounting to several lakhs of rupees. The state government has announced a monthly financial aid of Rs 5000 for affected individuals. With further landslides expected today and tomorrow, the Geological Survey of India has issued landslide warnings for four districts in neighbouring Uttarakhand — Tehri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli. In anticipation of potential landslides, the government has directed the deployment of essential machinery, including JCBs and Pokland excavators, in vulnerable areas.