The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a red alert for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts as heavy rains continue to lash Himachal Pradesh.
Although Mandi and Kullu saw some relief with clear skies on Wednesday, officials remain on high alert because of rising water levels and roads that are prone to landslides. Road connectivity between Mandi and Kullu is still badly affected. Both the main highway and the alternate routes are blocked at several points because of landslides. Restoration work is in progress, and the authorities are focusing on reopening the roads as quickly as possible.
The IMD has issued a red alert for the next two days in Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi. A yellow alert has been issued for Thursday in Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi, and for Friday in Shimla and Mandi. An orange alert will remain in place on August 30–31 in Mandi, Shimla, and Solan. On August 31, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Shimla will also face an orange alert.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur said Chamba district had been cut off for the past four days. "The whole state has been affected by the disaster... Chamba district has been cut off from the rest of the country for the past four days. There is no network there, the roads have been damaged, and many houses have been washed away. Damage is also occurring in Kangra and Una districts," said former CM Jairam Thakur.
"The current government should make efforts to save people's lives... Himachal has been ruined since CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's government was formed. Due to the disaster, Himachal Pradesh has been pushed back by many years," added Thakur.
He further alleged that the state government has completely failed in disaster management. Thakur said, “The entire government is in disaster mode, not disaster management. Thousands of livestock have perished, homes have collapsed, and connectivity has been lost in several districts. Yet, instead of focusing on relief and restoration, the CM and his ministers are busy making irresponsible political statements.”
He accused the government of ignoring urgent relief work in the worst-hit areas, including Chamba, Kullu-Manali, Kangra, and parts of Mandi, where heavy rains, floods, and landslides have caused large-scale destruction.
Also Read: Heavy rains paralyse life in Himachal, Punjab on alert
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