Monsoon eases in Himachal, relief, rescue ops intensify as CM announces ₹5,000 aid for disaster-hit families –

The spell of heavy monsoon rainfall in Himachal Pradesh eased today, providing a temporary respite and allowing relief and rescue operations to pick up pace in areas badly affected by the recent rains. However, the aftermath of the intense rainfall continues to disrupt the state, with 280 roads still blocked, over 300 transformers out of service, and more than 700 drinking water schemes affected. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall from July 5 to July 9 as the monsoon is expected to become more active during this period.
 
Akashvani correspondent reports that Intermittent rainfall continued across most parts of Himachal Pradesh today. Meanwhile, relief and rescue efforts are ongoing with increased intensity in disaster-affected regions. In the most severely impacted areas of Mandi district, Thunag, Dharampur, and Janjehli, relief and rehabilitation work is being carried out on a war footing by NDRF and SDRF teams.
 
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has announced a monthly rental allowance of rupees 5,000 for those who have lost their homes due to the disaster. He stated that a loss of rupees 700 crore is estimated so far in the state due to the heavy rains, landslides, and cloudbursts during this monsoon season. The Chief Minister also informed that he has spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the damage caused by the natural calamity, and the Home Minister has assured all possible assistance to Himachal Pradesh.
 
Meanwhile, Meteorological Centre Shimla, predicted of more active monsoon from July 5 to 9, in the state, and a yellow alert has been issued for July 5 while a red alert for July 6 in three districts, Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur, and an orange alert for other districts except Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.