Monsoon alert: Sirmaur dist admn issues safety advisory

With the southwest monsoon becoming active in Himachal Pradesh, the Sirmaur district administration has issued a public advisory to ensure safety and preparedness during the rainy season. Deputy Commissioner and chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Sirmaur, Priyanka Verma, said the district was highly sensitive to natural disasters such as landslides and floods.

Advertisement

She warned residents to stay away from rivers, rivulets and seasonal streams, as incidents of drowning often occur during the monsoon. Citizens have been strongly advised not to swim, bathe, wash clothes or engage in any other activity near water bodies during this period.

DC Verma urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel in landslide-prone and flood-affected areas during heavy rains. To stay informed about weather alerts and lightning strikes, she encouraged residents to download the ‘Sachet’ and ‘Damini’ mobile applications.

Special advisories have also been issued for tourists visiting Sirmaur during the monsoon season. The administration has advised visitors to avoid high-altitude areas, riverbanks, and regions vulnerable to landslides and flash floods. Tourists are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts closely and strictly follow instructions from local authorities.

The DC has directed all SDMs to identify individuals residing in slum clusters, temporary shelters and unauthorised structures near rivers and streams—particularly in flood and landslide-prone areas. Immediate relocation of such residents to safer locations has been ordered to prevent loss of life and property. The administration has also been instructed to ensure that no temporary settlements are allowed to come up in such vulnerable zones.

In case of any emergency, residents can contact the Disaster Management Cell at the DC office by dialling the toll-free numbers 1077 or 112. DC Verma has appealed to the public to remain cooperative and vigilant during this critical time. Furthermore, all panchayats, schools, and educational institutions in the district have been directed to spread awareness in their respective areas and promote disaster preparedness and safety protocols.