17 bodies recovered, search and rescue operations continue in Himachal

It is the seventh day of the search and rescue operation continuing in the disaster-hit Himachal Pradesh by the NDRF team. Heavy rains and landslides have led to loss of lives and infrastructure. According to sources, around 75 lives have been lost.

Also Read: Continuing Heavy Rainfall in Himachal Pradesh Claims Over 60 Lives; Shimla and Mandi Regions Most Affected

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has declared the whole state as a 'natural calamity-affected area'. According to the minister, around 13-16 landslides have occurred due to rainfall. The Chief Minister says that the situation is under control.

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says, "The situation in Himachal is under control. There has been a loss of lives due to the landslides in the state. Heavy rainfall and landslides in Himachal Pradesh have caused a lot of damage."

NDRF, SDRF, the Indian army, as well as the Indian Air Force, have been tasked with search and rescue operations.

The Indian Air Force has rescued more than 1000 lives as of August 17th.

The Krishna Nagar area in Himachal Pradesh saw a deadly landslide resulting in the destruction of several houses. Rescue operations are underway in Shimla where landslides have caused severe destruction. Citizens living in low-lying areas of Shimla have been shifted to higher level areas.

Additionally, Speaking on the current situation, Surender Chauhan, Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation, says that in the current situation, Shimla is safe for tourists and people of Shimla should not believe in rumors. The rescue operation is underway. People from dangerous areas have been shifted to community centers and Sanskrit college where facilities for food and stay have been arranged.

SDM Shimla (Urban) Bhanu Gupta, on the massive landslide in the Summer Hill area, says, "Local people have confirmed the count that there can be 21 bodies. Out of which, we have recovered 12 bodies in the last two days. Our search and rescue operation is ongoing. In our team, we have NDRF, SDRF, the army, local police, and home guard... If we get any positive news on some people being alive, we'll rescue them properly."

Apart from this, the CM has allocated crores of rupees to clear blocked roads in the state. Normalcy have started to return to Shimla as tourists have started coming.

BJP president JP Nadda has visited Himachal Pradesh today and review the situation.

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