August 14, 2023
Introduction
In a heartbreaking incident, a cloudburst wreaked havoc in the picturesque region of Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district, claiming the lives of seven people and causing extensive damage to property. The disaster struck the village of Jadon in the Dhawla Sub-Tehsil area, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The cloudburst, which occurred in Mamligh village of the Kandaghat subdivision, resulted in the tragic loss of two houses and one cowshed. The ferocity of the burst was such that it washed away these structures, leaving behind a grim scene of destruction. Swift action by the authorities managed to rescue six individuals from the affected area.
CM expressed his sorrow
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, expressed his deep sorrow and condolences through a tweet, assuring the affected families of all possible assistance and support during this challenging time. “Devastated to hear about the loss of 7 precious lives in the tragic cloudburst incident… We share in your pain and sorrow during this difficult time,” the Chief Minister’s Office tweeted.
The aftermath of the incident has prompted the Chief Minister to take immediate measures to safeguard the residents of the hill state. All educational institutions in the region had to be closed as a precautionary measure. Considering the heavy rains and the safety of the students.
The Indian Meteorological Department attributed the heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and neighboring Uttarakhand to a fresh spell of Western Disturbance. According to the weather department. The monsoon trough was positioned along the foothills of the Himalayas. This lead to the impact of South-westerly Arabian Sea monsoonal winds on the region.
The situation remains grim as the forecast predicts further heavy rainfall in the state. Districts like Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, Kullu, and Sirmaur are likely to witness extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places. The threat of landslides and flash floods persists, necessitating constant vigilance from the administrative bodies.
Himachal Pradesh suffers losses
Himachal Pradesh, which has been grappling with the destructive forces of nature throughout this monsoon season, has suffered a staggering loss of ₹7,020.28 crore due to the impact of the torrential rains. The state has witnessed 257 lives lost due to various causes, with landslides, flash floods, road accidents, and other incidents contributing to this grim toll.
The disaster has also taken a toll on infrastructure. Hundreds of roads, including national highways are all closed due to landslides and flooding. Additionally, numerous electricity and water supply schemes got disrupted, leaving thousands without essential services.
Conclusion
As Himachal Pradesh battles the ongoing monsoon onslaught, the government’s focus remains on providing aid to the affected families and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. The resilience and solidarity of the people in the face of this calamity will be a testament to their unwavering spirit in times of adversity.
