22 dead, 8 missing in Himachal Pradesh flash floods

Mandi, Kangra and Chamba districts are the worst affected districts from where maximum damage has been reported.

As many as 742 roads have been closed and 2000 distribution transformers, 172 water supply schemes have been disrupted in the state as reported by the Districts.

In a review meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, Chief Engineer HPPWD 407 roads will be restored on Saturday and 268 roads will be cleared by Sunday.

Dhiman directed the concerned department to ensure that the machinery is deployed and all the roads are cleared at the earliest so that there is no disruption in providing basic amenities in the affected areas.

He also directed that Deputy Commissioner concerned would ensure the videography of the damage caused by heavy rainfall and to provide shelters to the affected people in the camps.

Chief Secretary further directed that all the Deputy Commissioners were to ensure that basic amenities like bedding and ration be provided on a priority basis to the people affected by the disaster and to record their statements.

Around 2000 DTRs were disrupted by the unprecedented incidents of landslides and flash floods out of which electricity supply in 1500 DTRS will be restored today and efforts are being made to ensure 100 percent electricity supply by tomorrow.

Chief Secretary directed the officers of HPSEB to ensure restoration of 100 pc electricity supply at the earliest.

Principal Secretary, Revenue apprised that Rs 232.31 crores has been released to the districts from SDRF and sufficient funds are available with all the districts to carry out the relief and rehabilitation works.

A total number of 172 Water Supply Schemes were affected by the landslides and flash floods and supply in 39 schemes will be restored by Sunday, he said.

Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Magistrate were asked to ensure that local resources of water are treated with bleaching and disinfectants so that people could use these resources for domestic purposes and at the same time water-borne diseases can also be prevented.

Water supply through tankers in relief camps and the areas where there are no resources of water available locally will be deployed.

The Department of Energy will issue necessary directions to Pong Dam and Chamera Dam and other dam authorities to keep a check on the water level of the reservoirs and to issue timely warnings in case of any eventuality.

Chief Secretary directed the Department of Tourism to issue advisory to the tourists regarding visits to the state during the monsoon season.

Further directions were given to all the districts to close the educational institutions in the areas affected by landslides and flash floods and to install camps in schools and community centers to provide temporary shelter to the affected people.