The heavy rainfall continues in various parts of Himachal Pradesh, and as a result, 842 connecting roads, including three national highways, have been blocked due to landslides.
The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for heavy rainfall in several areas of the state until September 2nd. Some districts in the state have been given an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall today and tomorrow. The administration has successfully rescued around 6,000 stranded Manimahesh pilgrims in Chamba district due to heavy rain and landslides.
According to government figures, about 5,000 pilgrims are still stranded in the Bharmour area, along with around 500 in Chamba, most of whom are from Jammu and Kashmir and nearby regions. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today conducted an aerial survey of the Bharmour area. The administration is sending relief materials to these people by helicopter.
In the Bharmour area of Chamba district, thousands of pilgrims undertaking the Manimahesh Yatra are stranded due to damaged roads. The local administration and police are engaged in rescue efforts.
The State Disaster Management Authority has issued helpline numbers 98166-98166 and 01899-226950 for the convenience of stranded pilgrims. Due to the bad weather, all educational institutions will remain closed today in Chamba sub-division and in Manali, Banjar and Kullu areas of Kullu district.
This monsoon season, 317 people have lost their lives in the state, while 40 remain missing. Himachal Pradesh has also witnessed 90 incidents of flash floods so far. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh has directed all Deputy Commissioners and other officials to intensify relief and rehabilitation operations.