Both cloudbursts and floods are rife in Himachal Pradesh, with 31 deaths and 33 persons missing between June 27 and August 16 this year, as claimed by the State Emergency Operation Centre.
Out of the total incidents recorded, the area of Lahaul and Spiti reported eighteen, followed by Kinnaur with eleven, Una with six, and Kullu and Mandi with three each. Further occurrences were also recorded in Sirmaur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Shimla, and Solan districts, with losses touching 121 structures—complete and partial.
Of the 35 landslides that occurred within the period also, three persons perished in the state. Kullu district was moderate, with six landslides; Mandi district was severe, with Nine numbers; and Kinnaur & Shimla had six landslides each. Lahaul Spiti, and Chamba shared four each; the number of landslides was less in other districts.
People have complained that the number of events linked to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides might be higher than recorded.
While light rains prevailed in the state, ninety-five roads remained closed on Sunday morning. These consisted of 33 in Kullu, 23 in Mandi and Shimla, 10 in Kangra, and other areas.
The situation has adversely affected the services that are basic needs, fifty-seven power schemes and thirty-five water supply systems. According to officials’ reports, losses in Himachal Pradesh state reached ₹1,140 crores, with the majority of damages to roads. The Public Works Department suffered an amount of ₹502 crore, the Jal Shakti Department ₹469 crore, and the Horticulture Department ₹139 crore, the government was informed.
Due to this weather situation, the local meteorological office has put a ‘yellow’ alert of heavy isolated rainfall up to August 21.
