What Actions is Himachal CM Taking in Cloudburst-Hit Villages?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Himachal Pradesh faces severe repercussions from recent cloudbursts.
- CM Sukhvinder Sukhu is actively engaged in relief efforts.
- Financial assistance and supplies are being distributed to affected families.
- A special relief package will support reconstruction.
- Investigation into the causes of such disasters is essential.
Shimla, July 2 (NationPress) Following a catastrophic event that resulted in 10 fatalities in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu visited Syathi village located in the Laungani panchayat in Dharampur on Wednesday. During his visit, he engaged with families who have been affected by the cloudburst, attentively listening to their concerns, sharing in their sorrow, and overseeing the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.
A total of 61 individuals have suffered severe impacts from the cloudburst, which caused extensive destruction to homes, livestock shelters, and animal populations in the vicinity.
The district administration has extended support of Rs 1.70 lakh as financial aid, along with rations, tarpaulins, and other essential relief supplies to each household.
In conversations with the impacted families, the Chief Minister emphasized that the government remains steadfast in its support for all those affected, promising comprehensive assistance.
He instructed the administration to ensure optimal arrangements for the victims. A specialized relief package is set to be introduced to aid in the reconstruction of damaged homes, with increased compensation being granted for losses related to livestock, including cows, goats, sheep, and destroyed livestock shelters.
Villagers recounted the harrowing experience, revealing that the entire village was swept away suddenly, leaving them without any land available to set up temporary shelters.
“Many of us narrowly escaped death and witnessed the terrifying event,” shared a local resident.
In response to their appeals, the Chief Minister assured that if government land is accessible nearby, it would be allocated to those who lost their homes. If the land falls under restricted forest, the issue will be raised with the Union government.
He also assessed the destruction inflicted on the Mandi-Kotli road. Talking informally with the press, the Chief Minister noted the extensive devastation caused by relentless rains in Mandi district.
“I was informed that 20 houses were completely destroyed in Syathi village, and 61 individuals were safely evacuated and accommodated in relief camps,” Sukhu stated.
“An in-depth investigation is necessary to identify the reasons for landslides even in areas with solid geological formations,” he added, stating, “It’s unprecedented to experience 8-10 cloudbursts in a single night, and both Central and state governments must collaboratively investigate the causes of such occurrences.”
The Chief Minister mentioned that Thunag, Janjehli, and Bagsiad regions of Mandi district have also experienced significant damage due to extensive rains.
According to official reports, 10 individuals have lost their lives, while 34 are still unaccounted for in Mandi district. The casualties include five deaths in the Gohar subdivision, three in Thunag, and one each in Jogindernagar and Karsog. The administration is currently working on identifying the deceased.