Persistent heavy rain over the last 24 hours has caused fresh damage across Himachal Pradesh, with no immediate relief in sight. While no major casualties were reported overnight, the state has suffered heavy infrastructure losses, especially to its road network, Education Minister Rohit Thakur said on Thursday.
“The damage is occurring at multiple locations due to ongoing rain. Even last night, significant losses occurred, though they were mostly related to infrastructure,” Thakur told mediapersons. He confirmed that cloudbursts have been reported in the Rampur assembly constituency.
The Public Works Department has been told to restore roads on priority, as the apple harvest season is at its peak. “Our effort will be to ensure that the situation is brought back to normal and that the apple season is not affected,” Thakur said.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain in the state until August 17. With the monsoon expected to last until late September, Thakur said the government is prepared to handle challenges.
"Given this, we have made the necessary preparations. The government is doing everything within its capacity and will continue to do so," he added.
On school closures, he said the decision is with local administrations. “Schools are being closed in affected areas as per the orders of local SDMs and district authorities, depending on the severity of damage in each location,” he added.
"For the past two to three years, natural calamities have been causing extensive damage. We need to maintain strict caution, especially near rivers and streams. If travel can be avoided, it should be. Travel only if necessary, and do so with full awareness of the risks," he added, highlighting the frequent toll of natural disasters.
“It has been raining heavily since last night, causing major problems. Small streams are overflowing, debris is falling in several places, and roads are becoming dangerous. Office-goers and schoolchildren are struggling. There is fear in the air,” he said.
Local taxi driver Raj Kumar said, “We have to park vehicles very carefully because trees can fall anywhere. The weather department has said there could be heavier rain in the next 16 hours. Small drains are overflowing, debris is falling, and roads are closing. People are anxious and facing difficulties at every step,” he said. He added that drivers must be extra careful.
The state government has urged people to avoid travelling if it’s not necessary, particularly in landslide-prone areas and along riverbanks, until the weather improves.
Also Read: Cloudburst hits Kullu as heavy rains lash Himachal
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