Amid the worst flooding in 50 years, causing unprecedented damage in Himachal Pradesh, India, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has inaugurated the “Aapda Rahat Kosh-2023” website. The digital platform is designed to streamline financial aid to disaster-stricken residents and ensure transparent, seamless transactions for donors both domestically and internationally.
The recent monsoon mayhem, beginning June 24, has resulted in over 111 fatalities, with 12 people still missing and 116 injured. Public infrastructure damage is estimated to be over Rs 3738.28 crore ($500 million), with a significant impact on the industrial sector, which has suffered losses exceeding Rs 300 crore.
The Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis, stating that the state could face nearly Rs 5000 crore in losses due to the floods. Acknowledging the devastation, he revealed that compensation of Rs 1,45,000 has been provided for those with completely destroyed homes, and Rs 1 lakh for those partially damaged.
Leader of the Opposition, Jairam Thakur, has also voiced concerns about the dire state of relief efforts and has called for an acceleration in rescue operations. After visiting flood-affected Sainj Valley in Kullu, Thakur briefed Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah about the precarious situation.
Additionally, the “Aapda Rahat Kosh-2023” initiative seeks to aid the rehabilitation process. Sukhu urged followers to contribute generously to the fund, while expressing gratitude to those who have already donated. He, his cabinet colleagues, and all Congress MLAs, have pledged their one month’s salary towards the cause.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange alert predicting heavy rainfall in seven districts over the next 72 hours, indicating a persisting risk of landslides and flash floods.
