As Himachal Pradesh is witnessing extreme rain-related mishaps these days, State Congress supremo Pratibha Virbhadra Singh has asked for help from the Centre for the hill state, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi should declare the hilly state a disaster-hit one and should start restoration work.Congress Himachal chief urges PM to help Expressing grief and condolences to the families affected by the massive landslides and cloudbursts in Himachal, the Congress leader said, “The Prime Minister should declare Himachal Pradesh a disaster-hit state and should start restoration work here. I express my condolence to those who have lost their loved ones. We stand with them in this time of pain and sorrow.”Speaking to the news agency ANI, Deputy Commissioner of Shimla Aditya Negi said that multiple security teams are working together and are aiming to finish the rescue mission by tonight (on Tuesday).“A total of 12 bodies have been recovered, and today we have recovered four bodies. NDRFs two companies have been deployed. SDRF, Home Guard, state police, and the Indian Army have also been deployed. A rescue operation is underway,” he added.Just a day before, heavy downpours battered the hill state and neighbouring state Uttarakhand, which witnessed multiple deaths and destruction.IMD predicts heavy downpours in hill statesAccording to India Meteorological Department, heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next five days in several parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Also, the entire northern region might experience light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms, IMD said.Meanwhile, the weather agency has also issued red alerts for both hill states which will gradually reduce to orange alert.On Monday, Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu informed that over 50 people, however now reached 60, have lost their lives within the past 24 hours due to landslides and continuous rainfall in the area. He also expressed concerns that over 20 people are feared to be trapped under debris.PM Modi on rain havocEven, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the heavy rainfall that has wreaked havoc in many states during his address on Tuesday from the ramparts of Delhis Red Fort.“…This time, natural calamity has created unimaginable crises in several parts of the country. I express my sympathies to all families who faced this….” PM Modi said.He also assured that both the Centre and the state will help the affected families during times of crisis so they can start their life again. “I assure you about it”.
