The persistent showers over the past 24 hours have caused flooding in various areas, including the Balh valley in Mandi, which has been submerged for the second consecutive day. While a cloudburst hit Chunahan village in Nachan, no casualties were reported.
Himachal Pradesh University has also responded to the situation by canceling all ongoing Post Graduate examinations, including B.Ed. exams, that were scheduled for the same day.
In an effort to ensure the safety and well-being of students, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has directed the closure of all educational institutions, both government and private, across the region.
The Education Secretary issued a notification expressing the government’s concerns for student safety, considering the persistent rainfall across Himachal Pradesh. Consequently, all educational establishments, including ITIs, Polytechnic, Engineering, and Pharmacy Colleges, will remain closed on August 14.
The Chief Minister, proactively addressing the situation, consulted with District Collectors to assess the extent of damage caused by the heavy rainfall. Feedback from various districts underscored the impact on road routes, including landslides and property damage.
To effectively manage the situation, the Chief Minister has called on the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and all District Collectors to closely monitor developments resulting from the heavy rains. The focus is on ensuring the continuous provision of essential services such as roads, electricity, and water supply to safeguard citizens amidst these challenging circumstances.
Teams have been dispatched to evaluate the losses incurred, and the aftermath of the torrential downpour is evident across various regions. The Manali-Chandigarh highway has been significantly affected, leading to submerged sections at Nerchowk, Nagchala, Dadaur, and near Mandi. Furthermore, the Beas River has breached its banks in the Mandi district.
In light of the unrelenting rainfall and for the safety of all concerned, the subsequent notification from the Education Secretary has stipulated that both government and private ITIs, Polytechnic, Engineering, and Pharmacy Colleges will also remain closed on August 14, 2023.