- Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Top Indian leaders, including president Droupadi Murmu and home minister Amit Shah offered help to the state.
By: Shubham Ghosh
SUKHVINDER Singh Sukhu, chief minister of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, on Monday (14) conveyed that more than 50 people lost their lives within the past 24 hours in the state due to landslides and relentless rainfall. Additionally, he expressed grave concerns that around 20 individuals are potentially trapped under debris.
He also provided updates on the ongoing search and rescue operations taking place in the affected area. In response to this unfortunate situation, the state has made the decision to forego any cultural festivities in observance of Independence Day on Tuesday (15).
“Over the past 24 hours, over 50 people have tragically lost their lives in the state. More than 20 individuals remain trapped, and the toll of fatalities may rise. The search and rescue operation is currently underway. We have also chosen not to organize any cultural programs for Independence Day,” Sukhu said.
Top Indian leaders, including president Droupadi Murmu; home minister Amit Shah; opposition Indian National Congress’s president Mallikarjun Kharge; chief of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party JP Nadda and Congress leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have extended offers of assistance to the state government.
Shah conveyed his distress regarding the loss of lives across multiple locations in the state. He highlighted the involvement of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in rescue and relief endeavors. He also expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery for those injured.
Meanwhile, the state government announced the cancellation of train services between Kandaghat and Shimla due to the deteriorated condition of the Kalka-Shimla railway track resulting from landslides.
Rescue efforts were underway in the Summer Hill area, where a landslide occurred. Shimla DSP Vijay Raghuvanshi acknowledged the challenges posed by ongoing rainfall but stressed the commitment to the rescue operation.
Murmu expressed her condolences for the lives lost due to rain-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh.
Nadda engaged with CM Sukhu and state BJP president Rajeev Bindal, assuring unwavering support to Himachal Pradesh in such a time of crisis.
Earlier, a cloudburst in Jadon village claimed the lives of seven individuals and caused the destruction of two houses and a cowshed. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted the likelihood of rain in Punjab and Haryana over the next few days, particularly in bordering areas with Himachal Pradesh.
