Rain-triggered disaster: Scale of destruction much higher than 2023, but casualties less, says Sukhu

Himachal CM conducts an aerial survey of Chamba and Kangra districts, including Bharmour, Manimahesh, and Indora areas that have been severely affected by rains, landslides, and excess water release from the Pong Dam.

By: Express News Service

Shimla | August 30, 2025 09:25 PM IST

Rain-triggered disaster: Scale of destruction much higher than 2023, but casualties less, says Sukhu

People make their way through debris following heavy rainfall, at Bharmour, in Chamba. (PTI Photo)

Preemptive measures by the state government helped prevent loss of lives in rain-triggered disasters with toll comparatively lower than 2023 even though the scale of destruction is much higher this year, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Friday said.

“The entire Himachal Pradesh has been affected by incessant rains, cloudbursts and landslides. Rehabilitation is a major challenge, but with the support of the people, we will overcome it. It is our responsibility to rehabilitate the families who have been rendered homeless, lost all means of livelihood, and will offer a special relief package to support them,” Sukhu said.

He was speaking to mediapersons after conducting an aerial survey of Chamba and Kangra districts, including Bharmour, Manimahesh, and Indora areas that have been severely affected by rains, landslides, and excess water release from the Pong Dam. The CM took off from Pathankot Air Force Station with relief matarial but could not land at Bharmour due to adverse weather.

“The loss of lives in rains-triggered disasters is comparatively less compared to 2023, but the scale of destruction is much higher this year. Roads, electricity, water supply and communication services have been badly hit,” he said.

Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh are monitoring the situation on the ground, Sukhu said. “Revenue Minister has proceeded to Bharmour on foot, which shows our government’s humanitarian approach,” he added.

“The Chamba district administration has deployed excavators and other heavy machinery to restore road connectivity, but the inclement weather continues to pose a challenge. Evacuation of those stranded in the Bharmour area is also dependent on favourable weather, although helicopters have been deployed for this purpose,” he said.

Sukhu also accused the BJP leaders of “doing petty politics” over the suspension of the Manimahesh Yatra. “We have full faith in our deities, but safety comes first,” he said, adding BJP leaders were busy spreading rumours instead of extending support to the people in distress.

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Thousands of pilgrims who had embarked on the Manimahesh Yatra, are still stranded in the Chamba district, with a majority of them being stuck in the Bharmour area.

The CM also stressed the need for a scientific study to find the reasons behind the frequent cloudbursts in the state and said that during his recent meeting with the Union home minister, he asked the Centre to form an expert group to look into this matter. “Climate change and global warming are major causes of this devastation,” he said.

Later, Sukhu chaired a review meeting at NHPC Bhawan in Chamba and directed officials to ensure food, water, and shelter for stranded people. He also ordered the immediate restoration of damaged road, particularly NH-154A, and temporary electricity and water supply.

The CM visited Kalsuin, interacted with stranded pilgrims, and arranged additional buses and small vehicles to facilitate their return. Nearly 5,000 devotees were shifted to Nurpur and Pathankot on Friday, he said.

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