SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh is grappling with the devastating aftermath of relentless monsoon rains that have unleashed widespread destruction across the hill state. The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) has confirmed a tragic toll, with at least 69 lives claimed and 37 individuals still missing as of Friday morning. The relentless downpour has triggered numerous landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, leaving a trail of devastation across multiple districts.
The financial impact of the calamity is equally staggering, with preliminary estimates by the HPSDMA indicating property damage exceeding ₹495 crore (approximately $59 million USD). This figure is expected to rise significantly as rescue operations continue and the full extent of the damage becomes clearer. Mandi district has emerged as the worst-hit region, accounting for a significant portion of the fatalities and missing persons. Several interior roads remain cut off, and bridges and houses have been swept away or buried under debris.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local authorities are working tirelessly on search and rescue missions. Helicopters have been deployed in some cut-off areas to evacuate stranded residents, including pregnant women, and to air-drop essential supplies. Relief camps have been established to provide shelter, food, and medical aid to thousands who have been displaced.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts, warning of continued heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few days, which could exacerbate the already grim situation. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable regions to remain indoors and strictly adhere to safety advisories. The ongoing crisis underscores the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan region and the increasing intensity of extreme weather events, prompting calls for enhanced preparedness and long-term mitigation strategies.
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