Shimla: In a revelation, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu today has declared a staggering loss of Rs 8,000 crore inflicted upon the state due to the merciless onslaught of flash floods and torrential downpours.
The natural calamity has left a trail of destruction across Himachal Pradesh, prompting the Chief Minister to urgently seek assistance amounting to Rs 2,000 crore from Home Minister Amit Shah.
Addressing a press conference here, a visibly distraught Chief Minister Singh disclosed that an appalling sum of Rs 1100 crore has already been disbursed to various departments involved in crisis management and logistic restoration.
This emergency funding allocation includes Rs 610 crore for the Public Works Department (PWD), Rs 218 crore for the Jal Shakti Department, and Rs 180 crore for the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).
Chief Minister Singh said an initial disbursement of Rs 263 crore has already been released to the deputy commissioners responsible for providing immediate assistance to the victims and flood-ravaged areas.
The gravity of the situation has prompted the central government to dispatch a specialized assessment team to Himachal Pradesh to evaluate the extent of the damage inflicted by the catastrophic flash floods.
The state continues to reel under the aftermath of this calamity, with countless lives disrupted, critical infrastructure destroyed, and livelihoods shattered.
The Chief Minister's urgent appeal for financial aid underscores the pressing need for immediate assistance to alleviate the suffering of the affected population and initiate comprehensive rehabilitation efforts.
As the nation grapples with the enormity of this natural disaster, all eyes are now on the central government to swiftly mobilize resources and extend a helping hand to Himachal Pradesh in its arduous journey towards recovery.
The road to rebuilding lives and communities in the wake of this devastating catastrophe is bound to be long and challenging, but with concerted efforts and robust support, Himachal Pradesh can hope to emerge stronger from the ruins.
