Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 9 (ANI): Stressing the Central government's relief measures for disaster-affected Himachal Pradesh, BJP National President and Union Minister JP Nadda said on Wednesday that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has released Rs 2,006 crore for disaster relief in the state and additionally, Rs 93,000 crore has been allocated for housing reconstruction under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

Nadda visited the flood-affected areas of Mandi today and expressed solidarity with the victims.

Addressing the devastation caused by the floods, Nadda termed the tragedy 'distressing and unfortunate,' highlighting the severe losses incurred by the people.

'The tragedy was distressing and unfortunate. The people have suffered great losses, both human and animal. There has been a lot of damage here,' Nadda said during his visit.

He commended the efforts of BJP workers in providing aid through relief centres, stating, 'We are trying our best to provide relief through our relief centres... Our party workers are doing a good job at it.'

'Union Home Minister Amit Shah has released Rs 2006 crores for disaster relief in the state. Rs 93,000 crores have been given for the construction of houses as part of PMAY. Another instalment has been allotted as part of Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana to reconstruct the damaged roads... I want to assure the people of Himachal Pradesh that we cannot cover up for the losses suffered; the central government is committed and will give maximum remuneration,' the BJP President said.

Meanwhile, due to heavy rain incidents, Himachal Pradesh has claimed 85 lives so far, with 54 deaths directly linked to rain-related disasters and 31 others lost to road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

In its cumulative loss report, the SDMA confirmed that natural calamities such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, and drowning incidents have been responsible for the bulk of the fatalities. Mandi district remains the worst-hit, reporting 17 deaths from rain-related causes.

As per the SDMA, other severely affected districts include Kangra (11), Hamirpur (5), and Kullu, Chamba, Shimla, Sirmaur, Una, Bilaspur, and Kinnaur with lower but significant numbers. The SDMA has also recorded 129 injuries and 34 missing persons in connection with these weather-induced disasters.

Massive damage to crops, roads, bridges, and power infrastructure was reported, especially in Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, and Shimla. (ANI)