Shimla: On Sunday, BJP president J P Nadda expressed concern over the devastating impact of heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh and pledged the central government's full support to aid those affected by the calamity, as per news agency PTI. Nadda, accompanied by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, and state BJP president Rajiv Bindal, is currently on a tour of the state to assess the situation.

Emphasizing that the situation transcends politics and is a humanitarian issue, Nadda stated, "Our responsibility is to unite and work for the people of Himachal Pradesh. I assured CM Sukhu that the Government of India (GoI) and PM Modi will extend all possible assistance to the state government. We are committed to leaving no stone unturned to aid the people of Himachal Pradesh." Expressing his anguish over the losses and loss of lives, Nadda stated, "I am deeply saddened by the devastation and the lives lost. We are dedicated to assisting in the rehabilitation of those displaced."

Nadda's visit commenced from Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur, where he visited a family that had tragically lost five members in flash floods on August 10. He stated, "Himachal has suffered significant losses, and the central government is genuinely concerned. The administration is working diligently to provide relief and undertake restoration and rehabilitation efforts. Central assistance will continue to pour in to ensure the rehabilitation of those affected."

Highlighting the aid already provided by the central government, Nadda mentioned, "CM Sukhu met PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting interim relief. Within two days, Rs 189 crores were provided. A total of Rs 622 crores have been allocated to the Himachal Pradesh government. NDRF teams, ITBP units, and Air Force helicopters have been actively involved in rescue operations, saving over 1,000 individuals."

Nadda also visited the affected Shiv temple site in Summer Hill, which experienced a massive landslide on August 14, and the locality of Krishnanagar. As per Shimla's Superintendent Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, the death toll from rain-related incidents has reached 78 in Himachal Pradesh. Among the deaths, 24 occurred in Shimla alone – 17 at the Shiv shrine on Summer Hill, five in Fagli, and two in Krishnanagar. The state's emergency operations center reported that since the start of the monsoon on June 24, a total of 338 people have lost their lives in rain-related events and traffic accidents, with 38 individuals still missing. Rain-related incidents accounted for 221 fatalities in the state.

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