CM Sukhu chaired a high-level meeting in Shimla today to review the damage caused by incessant rains across Himachal Pradesh over the past 48 hours. Expressing deep concern over the loss of lives and properties, the Chief Minister directed all concerned officials to act promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected people. He informed that five people had lost their lives—three in Nihari and two near Pandoh Mohal Suma in Mandi district—while two individuals remain missing.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the Chief Minister stated that Himachal Pradesh has received 136 percent excess rainfall in September alone, while the overall monsoon has seen a 45 percent increase in precipitation. The season has so far claimed 417 lives, with 45 people still missing. The state has suffered estimated losses amounting to ₹4,582 crore due to heavy rains, landslides, and cloudbursts. Additionally, 15,022 cases of structural damage have been reported, including 1,502 fully damaged houses, 6,467 partially damaged houses, 6,316 damaged cowsheds, and 594 shops.
Sukhu directed all Deputy Commissioners to remain alert and to personally visit affected regions to supervise ongoing relief and rescue operations. He emphasized the urgent restoration of road connectivity, particularly in apple-growing areas, to ensure that farmers can transport their produce to markets without suffering economic losses. Instructions were also given to promptly reinstate power and water supply systems, along with other essential services. The Himachal Pradesh Marketing Corporation (HPMC) has been asked to deploy additional vehicles to support the transportation of apples from collection centres.
The Chief Minister reiterated that ensuring public safety remains the government’s top priority. Under the Special Relief Package, the state is providing ₹10,000 in urban areas and ₹5,000 in rural areas as monthly rent to families rendered homeless by the disaster. He also said the government is considering relaxing the requirement of staying in relief camps to qualify for rent assistance, keeping in mind the state’s socio-cultural context. People still living in unsafe buildings have been urged to move to safer locations immediately.
The meeting was attended by Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLA Hardeep Bawa, and several top officials including Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) K.K. Pant, Principal Advisor (IT & Innovation) Gokul Butail, and ADGP Satwant Atwal Trivedi. Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and senior officials from various districts participated virtually.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
