The death toll in rain-hit states, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh has increased to 55 as incessant rains triggered landslides that blocked key roads and highways, damaged homes and inundated several areas as rivers overflowed.According to the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the death toll is likely to increase as Solan, Shimla, Mandi and Hamirpur are worst affected districts in the state. The statement from the chief minister came after inspecting the affected areas.“Around 55 people have lost their lives in the state till now. The death toll might go up. Restoration work is being done on a war footing. Chandigarh-Shimla 4-lane highway along with other arterial roads has been opened,” CM Sukhu said.Supervising the ongoing rescue operations following the tragic landslide near Shiv Temple in Summerhill, Shimla. Emphasizing the highest priority on life-saving efforts, the government remains unwaveringly dedicated to securing the well-being of those entrapped. My sincerest… pic.twitter.com/7Jwvxt3Ybl— Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) August 14, 2023Apart from this, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured for all the help to the rain hit state. “I spoke to Amit Shah ji yesterday who has assured all help. I also spoke to JP Nadda ji, Kharge ji, Rahul Gandhi ji and Priyanka ji. The reopening of schools will be decided based on weather conditions. One Army helicopter is deployed in Shimla for any emergency,” he said.Meanwhile, the chief minister Sukhu has also expressed condolence to the families of kin who lost their lives in the due to rains and landslides. Apart from this, the weather department has also issued the red alert for the state. In view of the horrific tragedy happened in Shimla, the administration on Monday cancelled all the scheduled programs for Independence Day in the state. The notification said, “Cultural programs will not be organized in the Independence Day programs this time. Local police and SDRF personnel will not participate in the parade, they will be involved in rescue operations only.”आज शिमला में भारी बारिश से उत्पन्न स्थिति का जायजा लेने के लिए आयोजित बैठक की अध्यक्षता की। इस भीषण त्रासदी के दृष्टिगत इस बार स्वतंत्रता दिवस कार्यक्रमों में सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रमों का आयोजन नहीं किया जाएगा। परेड में स्थानीय पुलिस और एसडीआरएफ के जवान शामिल नहीं होंगे वह बचाव… pic.twitter.com/MRTHltxVUh— Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) August 14, 2023
