By Ajay Kumar
The hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are witnessing massive damage due to continuous rain, leading to flash floods and landslides. Several people are reportedly missing after a cloudburst in Mandi triggers a flash flood. The Beas River is flowing over the danger mark. Heavy showers have led to building collapses, landslides and road blockades. The state emergency operation centre said around 259 roads, including 129 in Mandi and 92 in Sirmaur districts, were closed following cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides Over 13 people are reportedly trapped due to flash floods and landslides in Mandi. The District Collector of Mandi has declared a holiday for all educational institutions in the district today Since the onset of monsoon on June 20 to date, rain-related incidents have claimed 23 lives in the state, according to the state emergency operation centre. Himachal received an average of 135 mm of rain in June against the normal of 101 mm, an excess of 34 per cent. It is the 21st highest rainfall in the month of June in the state since 1901. The highest rainfall of 252.7 mm was recorded in the year 1971, reported PTI. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in Himachal Pradesh. On Tuesday, rescue operations continued in Karsog, Mandi, following cloudburst. Mandi Sadar Police team rescued 12 people trapped in Raghunath Ka Pahad. “It has been raining heavily in Mandi since night and the water level of the Beas river is rising. Landslides are also occurring at many places…” a Mandi resident said. Chairing a high-level meeting to review monsoon preparedness, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi urged tourists and residents to follow weather advisories and avoid venturing near rivers and streams and directed sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) across the state to remain vigilant. Uttarakhand Flood: Rescue Teams Deployed, Orange Alert Sounded The water level of the Ganga river in Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh has risen and teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police have been deployed accordingly. They have appealed to public to stay in safe areas as continuous rainfall has led to an increase in the water levels of the river. In Rishikesh, the Ganga river is currently flowing just below the warning mark of 1.38 cm, following heavy rainfall that began Monday night. Speaking to ANI, Head Constable of the Water Police, Harish, said, “Teams have been deployed in sensitive areas and people have been alerted. We are also making announcements at the Triveni Ghat.” The Regional Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, has issued a red alert of “very heavy rainfall” along with “thunderstorms, lightning and squall” for the districts of Dehradun, Uttarkashi and Tehri Garhwal on Tuesday. An orange alert has been placed for Pauri Garhwal, Champawat, Nainital and Rudraprayag districts. Landslides have led to the blockade of the Yamunotri Highway near Silai Band and Ojari. Some parts of the highway have also washed out due to the severe weather conditions. Efforts to restore the highway are underway at a rapid pace. As of now, reported ANI, the pilgrimage to Shri Gangotri Dham is proceeding smoothly, and the Gangotri travel route is open and operational.