Ongoing calamity: No sign of relief as relentless downpours persist in Uttarakhand and Himachal, resulting in mounting casualties and damages
Heavy Monsoon Rains Cause Devastation in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh
Heavy monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, resulting in numerous deaths, missing persons, and extensive damage.
Since the monsoon began on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has recorded 417 deaths related to rain and road accidents, with 45 people still missing. The state has faced severe landslides and flash floods, with the state capital Shimla receiving 142 mm of rainfall in 12 hours. Shopkeepers and residents suffered significant losses as floodwaters damaged goods and infrastructure, with preliminary estimates indicating losses worth several crores.
Uttarakhand has not been spared either. The state has reported at least 15 deaths, 16 people missing, and over 900 stranded across various locations. The Ganga and Yamuna rivers are flowing close to warning levels, and the Tamsa river has rapidly swollen. The Tapkeshwar temple in Uttarakhand has been inundated, and the Hanuman statue near its entrance has been submerged.
The downpour has triggered deadly cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in both states. In Uttarakhand, a flash flood in Mandi district submerged the main bus stand and washed away vehicles, while landslides in Shimla blocked major roads and buried vehicles.
Emergency rescue operations are underway in both states, involving teams from NDRF, SDRF, and fire brigades. About 400-500 students were safely evacuated from the Devbhoomi Institute campus in Dehradun by SDRF teams.
The total estimated losses in Himachal Pradesh stand at Rs 4,504 crore. Meteorological data shows rainfall has been unusually high across north India this season. Uttarakhand has received 1,343.2 mm of rain, 22 per cent above normal, while Himachal Pradesh recorded 1,010.9 mm, 46 per cent above normal.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited affected areas in Dehradun and briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who assured full support from the central government. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced financial compensation for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in Uttarakhand.
Rescue and recovery efforts in the affected areas involve multiple agencies, including local disaster response forces, state police, military units, and specialized rescue organizations, working together to save people and recover victims.
In Himachal Pradesh, of the 417 deaths, 236 were directly linked to rain events. The state has experienced 46 cloudbursts, 97 flash floods, and 140 landslides this year.
The monsoon season has been particularly challenging for both states this year, and the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of those affected.
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