Heavy rains lash Chamba: Schools shut, bridge washed away, leaves cancelled under Disaster Act

Shimla, July 21,

With heavy monsoon rains continuing to lash Himachal Pradesh, the administration in Chamba district has stepped up its preparedness to tackle possible rain-induced disasters. The Deputy Commissioner, invoking powers under Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, has ordered the cancellation of all leaves and holidays of government employees involved in emergency duties until further notice.

The directive mandates that no employee will leave the station during this period, and all officers and officials must remain available at their respective headquarters to ensure a timely and coordinated response to emergencies. Heads of Departments (HoDs) have been instructed to recall any staff currently on leave, and attendance will be closely monitored. “These instructions are issued in the interest of public safety, disaster response preparedness, and effective administrative coordination during the monsoon season,” the order stated.

The warning comes as Chamba’s Chadi Panchayat witnessed a tragic incident early Monday, where a massive boulder, dislodged by incessant rains, rolled onto the house of a local resident, Sanju, killing his daughter and son-in-law. The district is facing a high risk of landslides, flash floods, and other rain-induced hazards, prompting authorities to remain on maximum alert.

Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania has cancelled his tour programme from July 21 to 23. A departmental spokesperson said that, keeping in view the continuous heavy rain in Chamba district since last night and the forecast for the next two days, the Speaker decided to postpone his three-day visit.

Educational institutions in Chamba’s high-risk areas have also been ordered shut, with Anganwadi centers and government and private schools closed to ensure student safety. Continuous heavy rainfall has left several internal link roads vulnerable to blockages, with the Nakrod-Thalli bridge in Churah washed away due to a swollen stream.

Also read: Himachal heavy rain fury returns: Schools closed, deaths reported amid landslides and flashfloods

Also read: Five-year-old panel fails to address grievances of four-lane project victims in Himachal

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain in Chamba district, cautioning residents against venturing near riverbanks or landslide-prone slopes. The next 72 hours are considered critical as heavy rain is expected to persist.

Since the onset of monsoon on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has recorded 125 deaths and cumulative losses exceeding Rs 1,23,5.74 crore, with 21 major landslides and 34 flash floods reported across the state. Chamba district, which saw significant damage in late June, is once again among the worst-hit regions, requiring heightened disaster preparedness.

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.