280 people were rescued; devotees saved their lives by walking 80 km. (Social media)
National News: The Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh has been the worst affected by heavy rains and cloudbursts for the last few days. Communication and road connectivity remained suspended here for four days. On Thursday, the situation improved somewhat, and internet services were also started along with the Chamba-Pathankot National Highway.
The biggest impact of the disaster in Chamba was on the pilgrims on the Mani Mahesh Yatra. The Chamba-Bharmour road was completely washed away due to the surge in the Ravi River, while the strong flow of the Mani Mahesh drain broke many small and big bridges.
So far, about three and a half thousand people have been evacuated safely by the administration through a relief operation. These include a large number of women and children. Despite this, 11 devotees lost their lives in the last few days. Many people reached Chamba headquarters by walking a distance of 70–80 kilometers for their safety.
People angry due to lack of help
The stranded pilgrims say that the administration did not extend a helping hand on time. The pilgrims who came from Rupnagar in Punjab also alleged that they were only helped by local villagers and taxi drivers.
The Bar Association Chamba raised the issue of disruption of electricity, water, and internet services before the Deputy Commissioner. The lawyers allege that the officer did not listen to them properly. Angered by this, they blocked the roads in the city.
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed a resolution demanding that this time's rain and landslide be declared a national disaster. The interesting thing was that both the ruling party and the opposition together approved it. However, during the discussion, a heated debate also took place between the BJP and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan said that this proposal is the voice of Himachal's rights, and the message should reach the Center that the state needs special help.
On the other hand, the situation is not normal in the neighboring state of Uttarakhand either. A massive landslide occurred near Lata village on the Jyotirmath-Niti Malari highway in Chamoli district. Many villages were cut off, and army movement was also stopped due to large stones and debris on the road. People of many areas of Uttarkashi and Chamoli are currently living in relief camps.
The rain once again showed how important it is to strengthen disaster management in hilly areas. If there is no timely preparation, even ordinary rain takes the form of a big crisis.
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