Himachal CM Visits Rampur Cloudburst Site, Announces Relief Measures

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the cloudburst-affected Samej area in Rampur, Shimla. He announced relief for affected families and reviewed ongoing rescue operations. Heavy rains caused extensive damage, with 33 people missing and significant property losses reported across several regions.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the cloudburst-hit Samej area in Rampur, Shimla district, on Friday. The region has suffered significantly, with 33 individuals reported missing.

The Chief Minister assessed the relief and rehabilitation progress and expressed condolences to the afflicted families. Sukhu declared an immediate relief package, offering Rs. 50,000 per affected family and Rs. 5,000 per month for three months to cover rental accommodations. Additionally, the state will supply essential items like rations, cooking gas, blankets, and stoves. Sukhu assured further financial aid for home reconstruction would be announced soon.

He instructed the district administration to arrange alternatives to prevent further hardships for the displaced families. Sukhu also met students from the damaged Government Senior Secondary School Samej, promising the prompt reconstruction of a better-equipped school.

Interactions with the village residents, including Vimla Devi, revealed the terror experienced during the cloudburst. Sukhu reaffirmed the state's commitment to support the victims, emphasizing that the government stands in solidarity with them.

The disaster left 33 missing and 10 rescued in Samej, damaging 38 houses and two bridges. The Chief Minister highlighted the extensive human and property losses in Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu districts due to five cloudbursts, resulting in six deaths and 47 missing.

Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately. The Public Works Department was directed to prioritize reopening closed roads. Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Chairman Seventh Finance Commission Nand Lal, MLA Ani Lokender Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap, Deputy Commissioner Kullu Torul S Raveesh, and other officials were present at the site.