As Himachal Pradesh braces for more rain, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged people in the state to stay home and cooperate with authorities. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also issued a similar appeal asking people not to panic.
As frightening videos of flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh emerge, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today urged people in the state to stay home for the next 24 hours and cooperate with authorities. More showers have been forecast for the state which witnessed record-breaking rain on Sunday, resulting in 14 deaths.
“I urge people to unitedly face the difficulty and stay in their homes for the next 24 hours as there is a possibility of heavy rain,” the chief minister said in a video message. He also announced three helpline numbers — 1100, 1070, and 1077 — for people who are in need of assistance.
“You can call these numbers in case of any emergency and I will also be available 24 hours,” Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said.
In Himachal Pradesh, landslides and flash floods, triggered by incessant heavy rain, caused extensive damage to houses and structures and paralyzed normal life. A red alert has been sounded for 10 out of 13 districts.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said 14 people have died in heavy rain and requested lawmakers to camp in their constituencies and help out the public.
“Please help people during this calamity and ensure that they are compensated for their losses,” he said.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today issued a similar appeal as heavy monsoon rain flooded low-lying areas, prompting authorities to swing into action.
“My appeal to the residents of Punjab is not to panic. The government is with the people and all possible help will be provided,” Bhagwant Mann said in a tweet.
Earlier, Mann had directed all the Cabinet ministers, MLAs, and officials to stay alert and reach out to people in need.
The weather office has said an interaction between a western disturbance and monsoonal winds is leading to an intense rainfall spell over north India, including Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
