Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 5: As rain-induced flash floods cause widespread destruction and loss of lives across Himachal Pradesh, locals from Mandi have come forward to distribute essential ration kits to affected families in the district.
Raj Kumar Thakur, President of Chail Chowk Vyapar Mandal, told, “All traders of our association decided to help those who lost their homes or road connectivity in the tragedy. We distributed ration kits to 110 families, including 10 kg each of rice and wheat, oil, and other essentials, to provide relief for 10 to 15 days.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced relief measures, including Rs 5,000 per month as rental assistance for families displaced by the natural calamity. Speaking to the media in Shimla after a high-level review, Sukhu said, “We reviewed the situation and decided that families staying in relief shelters who find rental accommodation in their villages will receive Rs 5,000 per month from the government. Food and ration supply will also be ensured.”
CM Sukhu noted the scale of devastation, reporting 69 deaths (43 due to rain fury and 26 from a road accident since June 20), 37 people missing, and 110 injured, with estimated damage of around Rs 700 crore.
The Mandi district remains one of the worst-hit areas, with heavy rainfall disrupting normal life. A local resident described the chaos: “Everything got washed away after a cloudburst. We are staying with relatives.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain alert for the state until July 7. According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority and Revenue Department, the state has already suffered damages exceeding Rs 400 crore. Search, rescue, and relief operations are underway in Mandi, where many roads remain blocked and essential services disrupted. (ANI)