Shimla, Aug 6,
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather warning for Himachal Pradesh, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in the districts of Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, Solan, Shimla, and Sirmaur on August 7 and 10. This comes as search operations continue for those affected by the disastrous rains on August 1, with 45 individuals still missing.
Following a period of weak monsoon activity over the past 24 hours, marked by isolated heavy rainfall and light to moderate showers, the state is now preparing for an increase in monsoon intensity and distribution. According to the IMD, this intensified weather pattern is expected to begin on the evening of August 6 and persist for the next five to six days, peaking on August 7 and 10.
Dr. Kuldeep Shrivastva, director of IMD Shimla, informed that average minimum and maximum temperatures are likely to remain normal to above-normal during this period. Residents should prepare for potential landslides and flash floods, particularly in vulnerable areas such as Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, and Kinnaur. Major cities may face traffic disruptions due to water logging, leading to increased travel times.
Farmers are advised to provide mechanical support to horticultural crops and stake vegetables to prevent damage. There is also a risk of minor damage to kutcha houses, walls, and other vulnerable structures. Roads may experience localized flooding, and underpasses might close due to water logging. Visibility could be reduced due to heavy rainfall and fog.
Residents are urged to avoid staying in or near water bodies and refrain from traveling to areas prone to water logging. It is essential to steer clear of vulnerable structures during the heavy rainfall period and to follow traffic advisories and guidelines issued by local authorities. Proper drainage in crop fields should be ensured to prevent water stagnation.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the August 1 rains, the state has reported 10 deaths and 45 missing individuals. The fatalities are distributed as follows: Kullu (1), Shimla (0), and Mandi (9). The missing individuals include 11 in Kullu, 33 in Shimla, and 1 in Mandi. Additionally, 55 individuals have been evacuated: 44 from Kullu, 10 from Shimla, and 1 from Mandi.
The ongoing search operations involve significant personnel deployment. Kullu 50 personnel, including 22 SDRF, 18 police, and 10 home guards are involved in the operation.
In Shimla, 481 personnel, including 70 NDRF, 135 police, 62 ITBP, 120 army, and 18 CISF are on the job. Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap and SP Shimla Sanjeev Gandhi are on ground zero for last six days looking after the rescue operation
In Mandi 86 personnel, including the Deputy Commissioner, Â 33 NDRF, 12 SDRF, and 25 police, are on the ground finding the missing.
Alongwith around 84 personnel, including NDRF, SDRF, police, and forest guards, are deployed along the Satluj River to trace missing victims.
Recently, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut also visited flood affected areas of Shimla , Kullu and Mandi today. She blamed the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government for not providing assistance to affected people readily despite she claimed that Modi Government have handed over liberal financial assistance to flood affected of the state.
Local NGOs, CPI(M) leader and Former MLA Rakesh Singha also assisting in the rescue operation and on the spot with party volunteers.
BJP President Rajiv Bindal, leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur and Local BJP MLA Yadvendra Sharma and members of Assembly from Shimla Nand Lal also on the spot to help the missing person.
According to Shimla district administration one body was recovered today near Sunni Dam. Body is being identified.
Giving this information Additional Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Verma said that on the sixth day of the search operation that has been going on since the Samej tragedy, a body was found in Dogri near Sunni Dam this morning. This body is of a man.
He said that the body of the man is in good condition. The body has been sent to CHC Sunni for post-mortem. Kullu administration has also been informed about this. He said that the search operation is going on at a rapid pace.
So far six bodies have been recovered during the search operation in Shimla district.
Authorities advise everyone to stay alert and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of increased monsoon activity.
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