Disaster response systems will be set up in all 3,645 panchayats of Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh: The state government will establish disaster response systems in all 3,645 panchayats to strengthen preparedness for cloudbursts, landslides, and other extreme weather events. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi made the announcement on Wednesday while responding to a discussion under Rule 130 in the state assembly. He said that scientific studies are underway by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, and other central agencies to analyze the increasing incidence of natural disasters. The state is also in talks with the Ministry of Earth Sciences to establish an earthquake early warning system. Himachal Pradesh received 1,223 mm of rainfall this monsoon, 43% more than normal, which led to 47 cloudbursts, 98 flash floods, and 148 landslides. During this period, a total of 468 people lost their lives, 36 are missing, and 198 others died in road accidents. Data presented in the House showed that 1,817 houses were completely destroyed and 8,023 were slightly damaged. The state also reported the loss of 3,779 animals and 25,755 chickens, as well as significant damage to shops, cow sheds, and water mills. The total estimated loss is ₹5,930 crore. Negi said that despite a request for national disaster status in July, no funds have been received from the Centre. He said that disaster relief assistance has been significantly increased, including compensation for house damage, household goods, and crops, as well as increased rental support. He said that ₹1,202 crore has been provided to restore essential services, ₹76 crore has been provided to Mandi and Kullu, and a ₹812 crore disaster relief project is underway with World Bank assistance.