Death toll in rain mishaps mounts to 16: CS

Chief Secretary R D Dhiman stated today that  unprecedented rain caused  34 incidents of land slide, flash floods and cloudburst have taken place in the State during last 24 hours took 16 human lives  and 08 persons are reported missing at Mandi , Kangra and Chamba districts are the worst affected districts where maximum damage has been reported . Convening a review meeting to assess the situation caused by heavy rainfall in the State today at CS Committee Room  CS said that  742 roads have been closed and 2000 distribution transformers , 172 water supply schemes have been disrupted in the State as reported by the Districts .  Chief Engineer HPPWD apprised that total number of 742 roads were closed in the State due to unprecedented rainfall , out of which 407 roads will be restored today and 268 roads will be cleared by tomorrow .  Chief Secretary directed the concerned department to ensure that the machinery is deployed and all the roads are cleared at the earliest so that there is no disruption in the providing basic amenities in the affected areas .  Chief Secretary also directed that concerned Deputy Commissioner would ensure the videography of the damage caused by heavy rainfall and to provide shelters to the affected people in the camps .  Chief Secretary further directed that all the Deputy Commissioner were ensure that basic amenities like bedding and ration be provided on priority basis to the people affected by the disaster and to record their statements .  Around 2000 DTRs were disrupted by the unprecedented incidents of landslides and flash floods out of which electricity supply in 1500 DTRS will be restored today and efforts are being made to ensure 100 per cent electricity supply by tomorrow .  Chief Secretary directed the officers of HPSEB to ensure restoration of 100 p c electricity supply at the earliest.  Principal Secretary , Revenue apprised that Rs 232.31 Crores has been released to the districts from SDRF and sufficient funds are available with all the districts to carry out the relief and rehabilitation works .  Total number of 172 Water Supply Schemes were affected by the landslide and flash floods and supply in 39 schemes will be restored by tomorrow . Chief Secretary directed the Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Magistrate to ensure that local resources of water are treated with bleaching and disinfectants so that people could use these resources for domestic purpose and at the same time water borne diseases can also be prevented .  Chief Secretary further directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure water supply through tankers in relief camps and the areas where there are no resources of water available locally . Chief Secretary directed that the Department of Energy will issue necessary directions to Pong Dam and Chamera Dam and other dam authorities to keep a check on the water level of the reservoirs and to issue timely warnings in case of any eventuality. Chief Secretary directed the Department of Tourism to issue advisory to the tourists regarding visit to the State during the monsoon season.  Further directions were given to all the districts to close the educational institutions in the areas affected by landslides and flash floods and to install camps in schools and community centers to provide temporary shelter to the affected people