New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu informed the media that more than 50 people have lost their lives within the past 24 hours in the state. Additionally, over 20 people are still trapped, and a search and rescue operation is underway.
CM Sukhu also announced that, in light of the lives lost in the state, no cultural programme will be organised on Independence Day.
“Over 50 people have lost their lives in the state in last 24 hours. Over 20 people are still trapped, the death toll can also increase. Search and rescue operation is underway. We have taken the decision not to organise any cultural program on the occasion of Independence Day,” CM Sukhu said.
“President Droupadi Murmu, Union HM Amit Shah, Mallikarjun Kharge, BJP chief JP Nadda, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi have called to provide all possible help to the state government,” the Chief Minister added.
A temple in Shimla’s Summer Hill area collapsed following a landslide, killing at least nine people. With the rescue operations underway, a least 20-25 people are feared to be trapped under debris.
WATCH | Shimla’s Summer Hill area hit by landslide; few people feared dead, operation underway to rescue stranded persons
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and state minister Vikramaditya Singh are on present on the spot pic.twitter.com/sjTLSG3qNB
— ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2023
In Solan, at least seven people were killed and three others were reported missing in a cloudburst in the Jadon village, said officials on Monday.
The continuous rainfall for around 55 hours wreaked havoc in the state as flooding, landslides, and falling trees damaged many houses in Mandi, Sirmaur, Shimla, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Solan. At least a dozen vehicles were also damaged. Many houses are reportedly without electricity and water.
The meteorological department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for the next three to four hours.
CM Sukhu condoled the deaths. “We have directed the authorities to ensure all possible assistance and support to the affected families during this trying period,” he said in a Twitter post.
Devastated to hear about the loss of 7 precious lives in the tragic cloud burst incident at Village Jadon, Dhawla Sub-Tehsil in Solan District. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families. We share in your pain and sorrow during this difficult time. We have directed…
— Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) August 14, 2023
