Central team assesses post-disaster rehabilitation in Seraj area of Mandi

A regional expert team from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) visited the disaster-affected areas of the Seraj region in Mandi district today to assess the progress of rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), 2025.

The team inspected several badly-affected Daizy, Bugralchowk, Kuthah, Pandavshila, Thunag and Bagsyad villages, which suffered extensive damage due to landslides and torrential rainfall on June 30. The calamity had caused significant loss of life and property across the region.

During the field visit, the team interacted with affected families, panchayat representatives and departmental officials to review the current status of relief and rehabilitation measures. The experts emphasised the importance of maintaining quality standards, safety and long-term durability in all reconstruction activities.

Before the inspection, the NDMA experts held a coordination meeting in Mandi with officials from various departments. Officers from the Revenue, Public Works, Jal Shakti, Electricity, Education, Agriculture, Soil Conservation, Horticulture and Health Departments presented detailed reports on the damage caused by the disaster and the ongoing restoration work.

The team reviewed departmental plans and gave recommendations to reduce disaster risks, improve drainage systems and stabilise slopes in vulnerable areas to prevent future calamities.

Later, the NDMA delegation held discussions at the Public Works Department office in Janjehli with self-help groups (SHGs), ASHA and Anganwadi workers. The interaction focused on strengthening community participation and enhancing the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts through local engagement and people-centric planning.

The NDMA expert team comprised Dr SK Negi, Dr Ashok Peepal, Dr Mahesh, Annie George and Krishna Thakur. The group will prepare a comprehensive evaluation report based on its field assessment, which will serve as a key reference for upcoming reconstruction and risk reduction plans in the affected regions.

During the visit, the team was accompanied by SDM Thunag Ramesh Kumar, Naib Tehsildar Thunag Arjun and officials from various departments who provided on-ground updates about the restoration works.