Locals rush aid in flood-hit Mandi as toll climbs to 69 following monsoon havov in Himachal
Chail Chowk Vyapar Mandal President Raj Kumar Thakur told ANI, 'All the traders of the Chail Chowk Vyapar Mandal decided to help those who have lost their homes in the tragedy or have lost road connectivity. We have distributed ration kits to 110 families, which included 10 kg of rice, 10 kg of wheat, oil, and other food items to bring relief to the victims. We have provided a ration for 10 to 15 days.'
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday announced a series of relief measures, including Rs 5,000 per month as rental assistance for families displaced by the natural calamity.
Addressing the media in Shimla after a high-level review meeting with the deputy speaker and other ministers, the Himachal CM stated that the state is facing 'disaster like a war'.
'We reviewed the entire situation in the state caused by the current natural disaster. After evaluating the situation, we have decided that families who are staying in relief shelters and find rental accommodation in their villages will be given Rs 5,000 per month by the Himachal Pradesh government.' said Sukhu.
He added that the government would also ensure food and ration supply to all such affected families.
'Till now, approximately 69 (43 deaths due to rain fury and 26 due to road accident since June 20) people have lost their lives, 37 are missing, and 110 have been injured. The total damage has been estimated at around Rs 700 crore', CM Sukhu told reporters.
Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh is experiencing heavy rainfall, which has disrupted the normal lives of the residents.
Earlier, several houses were reported damaged, and vehicles washed away due to a cloudburst and continuous heavy rainfall here.
A local said, 'Everything got washed away after a cloudburst. We are staying at our relatives' house.
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 the Revenue Department, the state has suffered damages amounting to more than Rs 400 crore due to incessant monsoon rains. Search, rescue, and relief operations are underway, particularly in the worst-hit Mandi district, where several roads remain blocked and essential services are disrupted. (ANI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Delhi Cloud Seeding Project 2025: Artificial Rain to Combat Air Pollution
Inside Delhi's Cloud Seeding Mission to Clean the Air Delhi had planned India's first artificial rain trial, from July 4 to 11. But just days before launch, it was postponed. The irony? The monsoon clouds weren't good enough for rain .So, what exactly was the plan? And why does it matter? Under a ₹3.21 crore project, the Delhi Environment Department, along with IIT Kanpur, wanted to seed clouds using a modified Cessna 206-H aircraft. The idea? To wash out harmful pollutants, especially PM2.5 and PM10 from the air. Now, you may ask what these are. PM2.5 and PM10 are microscopic particles, 2.5 and 10 micrometres wide, small enough to reach deep into your lungs and bloodstream. They're major contributors to Delhi's toxic air. Here's how cloud seeding works. The aircraft releases a mix of silver iodide, iodised salt, and rock salt into the clouds, specifically nimbostratus clouds at altitudes between 500 and 6,000 metres. This chemical blend triggers raindrop formation and that rain helps clean the air below. Each flight lasts about 90 minutes and covers around 100 square kilometres. The target zones? Some of Delhi's most polluted areas, Rohini, Bawana, Alipur, Burari, and even parts of western UP like Loni and Baghpat .The project has approvals from the India Meteorological Department and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Flights will avoid VIP zones and restricted airspace, and follow all aviation rules. Five flights are planned. After each, pollution levels will be measured to track the impact. This trial is part of Delhi's 2025–26 Environment Action Plan, which includes, AI-based pollution enforcement, anti-smog guns, real-time dust monitoring and cleaner public transport. Cloud seeding has been used in various countries, with mixed but measurable outcomes. In the United States, especially in Colorado and Nevada, cloud seeding has been practised for decades to boost snowfall and support water supplies. Independent evaluations show a 5–15% increase in precipitation a modest but valuable gain, particularly in drought-prone regions. China has used cloud seeding extensively, not just for drought management, but also to clear skies ahead of major events, like the 2008 Beijing Olympics. While the government reports success, many international experts say it's difficult to quantify exactly how effective these efforts are, due to the complex nature of weather systems. The United Arab Emirates runs one of the world's most aggressive and advanced cloud seeding programs, conducting over 200 missions annually. Recent studies suggest an average increase of about 22–30% in rainfall, with some localised areas seeing even more. However, following record floods in April 2024, the UAE's heaviest rainfall in 75 years, some speculated that cloud seeding was to blame. In Russia, cloud seeding is typically used for short-term, ceremonial purposes, like ensuring clear skies for parades and public events. Officials say it's been consistently effective for these limited applications. So, why the delay in Delhi? Despite active monsoon conditions, the current clouds don't have the right moisture content for seeding .The new window? August 30 to September 10, but again, it all depends on the weather. If it works, this could be a game-changer in how Indian cities fight air pollution. But for now, all eyes are on the skies. Presentation & Editing: Vishnoo Jotshi Video: Aniket Singh Chauhan
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
IMD issues yellow alert for heavy rain in 4 dists today
1 2 Ranchi: The Ranchi office of the India Meteorological Department ( IMD ) on Sunday issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in four districts on Monday. Ranchi-IMD scientist Abhishek Anand said, "There is a strong possibility of heavy rainfall in Gumla, Simdega, Khunti, and West Singhbhum districts on Monday due to the combined effect of unseasonal weather systems. This likelihood is arising due to the impact of a low-pressure area and the active condition of the monsoon trough." "Thunderstorms and strong winds, speeding up to 30–40 km/hr, are also likely to take place at isolated places over the state. The public is advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions," he added. Ranchi recorded 5.8mm rainfall on Sunday, Jamshedpur 0.5mm, Latehar 14.5mm, Bokaro 2mm, Koderma 5mm, Simdega 4.5mm, and Daltonganj 19.6mm — highest in the state. The state recorded 417.2 mm rainfall, as against the normal of 246.2 mm, from June 1 till July 6. East Singhbhum recorded the highest at 694.6mm, followed Ranchi at 648.3mm, Latehar at 592.6mm, and Seraikela-Kharsawan at 582.1mm. Monsoon rain dropped the maximum temperature across the state. Ranchi recorded 28.2°C on Sunday, 2°C below normal, Jamshedpur 30°C, 2.7°C beow normal, Daltonganj 31.8°C, 1.7°C below normal, Chaibasa 30.4°C, 1.1C below normal, and Bokaro 31.1°C. Godda recorded 32.8°C, the highest maximum temperature in the state.
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
Mark Butcher slams India's late declaration at Edgbaston
Birmingham [UK], July 6 (ANI): Former England cricketer Mark Butcher has criticised India for declaring late on Day 4 of the ongoing Test at Edgbaston, as per Wisden. India continued to bat deep after Tea on Day 4, setting England a massive target of 608 with just 18 overs left in the day. While they managed to remove Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root before stumps, questions were raised over whether India gave themselves enough time to bowl England out, especially with rain expected on the final day. Those concerns proved valid, as rain delayed the start of play by over 90 minutes on Day 5. Play resumed with a maximum of 80 overs to be bowled, if weather permits. Forecasts still suggest intermittent showers until mid-afternoon. Speaking on Sky Sports TV before the start of play, Butcher was vocal in his criticism of India's tactics, saying they missed an opportunity to declare earlier and maximise their time with the ball. 'It (the rain) really does give England ever more incentive to knuckle down and secure the draw out of this one,' said Butcher, as quoted from Wisden. 'They've been outplayed for four days but they've been offered a lifeline not only by the weather but by the frankly ridiculous length of time it took for that declaration to come yesterday,' he added. 'We didn't think it would rain this hard last night but when we were chatting we did say if England get out of it with a draw it would be like a custard pie to the face of India,' fellow commentator Ian Ward added. 'It's all very well, you have the slight fear of England and Bazball and the pitch being flat and coming out and chasing. But I couldn't think of any reason whatsoever as to why it took so long before pulling the plug yesterday,' Butcher said. Despite the delays, England still have a mountain to climb to escape with a draw. Ollie Pope was bowled by Akash Deep early on Day 5, and Harry Brook was trapped lbw just two overs later. England are struggling at 110/5, captain Ben Stokes (10*) is with Jamie Smith (17*) on the crease. (ANI)
