Devastating flash floods in Himachal Pradesh have caused destruction, killing 78 individuals and rendering large areas of the state devastated since the onset of the monsoon on June 20. In Thunag, residents sat and watched as the Himachal Cooperative Bank, where they had deposited their life savings, was destroyed. The first floor of the two-storey bank was destroyed, and valuables worth lakhs such as jewellery are believed to be lost.
It is an ancient bank and handles a lot of business every day. But currently, the cash, documents and lockers stored in the bank have all been reduced to rubbles,” said Hari Mohan, a local shopkeeper.
Locals have volunteered to protect the bank as reports of lootings of valuables washed away by the floodwaters increase.
Severe Damage Across Himachal
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) confirmed 78 deaths as of July 6, of which 50 were due to rain-related incidents like flash floods, drowning, electrocution, lightning strikes, and landslides. Another 28 people died in road accidents during this period. Additionally, 37 individuals remain missing, and 115 are injured.
As monsoon began, Himachal experienced 23 flash floods, 19 cloudbursts, and 16 landslides, leaving extensive damage. Infrastructure damage keeps rising, with 243 roads, of which two are national highways, obstructed, 278 power transformers broken, and 261 water supply schemes closed.
IMD Sounds Red Alert in Three Himachal Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted very heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and squalls on July 7. Red alert has been sounded for Sirmaur, Kangra, and Mandi, while an orange alert has been sounded for Shimla, Solan, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, Kullu, and Chamba for July 8 and 9.
Landslide Warning Issued in Four Uttarakhand Districts
In the meantime, the Geological Survey of India has also released a warning of landslides in Tehri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand, expecting potential landslides on July 7 and 8 in several subdivisions such as Ukhimath, Ghansali, Narendra Nagar, Dhanaulti, Dunda, and Chinyalisaur.
The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) has instructed all district magistrates, disaster management officers, SDRF, and police personnel to stay on high alert.
All field-level personnel, such as Revenue Sub Inspectors, Gram Vikas Adhikaris, and Panchayat Officers, have been directed to remain in their jurisdictions. All communication arrangements like wireless sets and mobile phones are to be kept operational for the next 48 hours.
Tourist Activity Restricted, Equipment on Standby
A stoppage of tourist travel in high Himalayan areas has been ordered by authorities with vehicular and pedestrian movement during heavy rain curbed.
Strategic positioning of crucial equipment such as JCBs and Pokland machines, personnel, and other vital resources has been ordered to manage emergencies in landslide-prone areas.
