Flashfloods in Lahaul’s Miyar valley damage rural roads, farmland

Flashfloods triggered by heavy rainfall caused heavy damage to infrastructure and agricultural land in Dhodhul, Karpat, Changut and Udgos villages of the Miyar valley in Lahaul and Spiti district yesterday.

Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana, along with district administration officials, local representatives and Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhadana, visited the flood-affected areas today. However, they could not proceed beyond Changut due to the rise in the water level of rivulets. The MLA said that immediate restoration of road connectivity was the top priority and heavy machinery had been deployed for the purpose.

Meanwhile, the district administration provided essential supplies, including food and ration, to the affected villagers. Efforts to restore water and electricity supply were underway. Besides, the government would soon release an emergency relief of Rs 10,000 to every affected family. Though no loss of life had been reported so far, agricultural land and crops had suffered significant damage. Field officers would conduct a detailed damage assessment in the coming days.

The MLA said. “The government and the district administration stand firmly with the people of the region in this hour of crisis. The Chief Minister has been informed about the situation and he has assured all possible help and compensation to the affected people. Tribal and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has also taken cognizance of the flashfloods and extended full support.”

Former MLA Ravi Thakur also expressed concern over the devastation caused by flashfloods. He said that a bridge in Udgos village was swept away in flashfloods and several fields were submerged. He added that the situation was serious and alarming and urged local villages to stay away from streams.

“I appeal to the government and the district administration to immediately send teams to assess the damage caused and provide necessary relief to the affected families,” said Ravi.

Alert sounded in Jaisinghpur

• The Kangra administration has sounded a high alert in Jaisinghpur following cloudbursts in the Banjar and Anni areas of Kullu district
• Floodwaters led to a rise in the Beas water level
• The administration has cautioned all residents living near the river to be vigilant and not to go near riverbanks