SHIMLA -2^nd August, 2024-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today visited the cloudburst site at Samej in the Rampur area of Shimla district which has borne the maximum brunt of the cloudburst, wherein as many as 33 persons were reported missing in the area. He also reviewed the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Expressing grief over the incident, the Chief Minister consoled and comforted the affected families and announced an immediate relief package to the sufferers. “Each affected family will receive Rs. 50,000 as immediate assistance and Rs. 5,000 per month, for three months, for hiring rented accommodation from today itself. Additionally, the State Government would also provide free essential items of basic needs such as ration, cooking gas, blankets and stoves. The State government would extend comprehensive support to all the affected families”, stated Sh. Sukhu.

The Chief Minister assured that financial assistance for rebuilding their houses would be announced shortly. The government is committed to the rehabilitation of the affected families. He directed the district administration to make alternative arrangements to ensure that displaced families do not face any further miseries and difficulties.

He also met with students from Government Senior Secondary School Samej, whose eight classmates are missing following the tragic incident. Students Rakhi and Kartik Thakur both in Class VIII, informed the Chief Minister that their school had been completely damaged and they were in shock. He assured that the school building would be reconstructed in a much better and planned manner so that the children receive a good education in a better environment. The Chief Minister also encouraged them to stay strong and support their families in this hour of grief.

Vimla Devi, a resident of Samej, recounted the horrific night of the cloudburst, with fear and panic all over in the village. The Chief Minister shared their sufferings and assured that the State Government stand by them in their hour of suffering. "The government stands shoulder to shoulder with the affected persons and will support the families during this challenging time. All the affected families were my family members, and I assure you that a relief package will be announced shortly," said Sh. Sukhu. "I stand by you all and can understand well the pain of losing the dear ones I can share your grief but can't bring back your loved ones who went missing since the catastrophic incident.

The cloudburst has left 33 people missing in Samej, with 10 trapped individuals successfully rescued. The disaster also damaged 38 houses and two bridges in the village.

While interacting with the media at Samej, the Chief Minister said that extensive loss both to human lives and properties have been reported due to heavy rains and cloud bursts in Shimla, Mandi and Kullu districts on Wednesday night. He said that five cloud bursts took place in these districts and caused widespread damage in these regions. He said that six persons have been reported dead and 47 still missing. He said that in three districts as above, 14 motorable and pedestrian bridges, 115 houses, 23 cowsheds, 10 shops and three fish farms have perished in this disaster. He said that one National Highway and five roads had also been blocked in the State due to heavy rains.

Sh. Sukhu said that the State Government undertook rescue and relief operations on a war footing after getting the information about the cloudbursts and directed the district administration to provide immediate relief to the affected families. He said that 55 stranded persons had been evacuated safely so far. Relentless efforts were on to trace out the missing persons. He said that the administration has been kept on alert to tackle it effectively. The Public Works Department has been directed to open the closed roads on priority so that people do not face any inconvenience.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Chairman Seventh Finance Commission Nand Lal, MLA Ani Lokender Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap, Deputy Commissioner Kullu Torul S Raveesh and other officers were also present amongst others on the spot.