50 died in rains, losses estimated at Rs 2,892 cr: HP CM

As many as 50 persons lost their lives and 5,287 structures including houses, sheds and shops were damaged due to haevy rains in the state and the total loss was estimated at Rs 2,892 crore, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh informed the state Assembly today.
In a statement laid in the House, Singh said the state experienced incessant heavy rains and cloudbursts from June 15 to June 17 leading to colossal loss, especially in Kinnaur district where 576 to 1,358 per cent excess rainfall was recorded.
Till date 23 deaths have been reported from Kinnaur district, seven from Shimla, six from Mandi, five from Sirmaur, four from Kangra, three from Kullu and one each from Hamirpur and Chamba districts, he said.

Overall loss to property is estimated at about Rs 200 crore, with a total of 4,377 roads in the state badly affected, disrupting normal life, the Chief Minister said.
The loss on this account have been assessed at Rs 1,221.45 crore, he said.
The entire stretch of National Highway from Wangtu to Sumdo, which is maintained by BRO, has been washed away at various places leading to a loss of about Rs 40 crore, Singh said, adding that 24,142 animals including sheep, goat, cattle and mules also perished in the rains.

As many as 2,763 schemes including 109 flood protection work of Irrigation and Public Health department suffered extensive losses estimated at Rs 256.78 crore, he said.

The Chief Minister said funds to the tune of Rs 129.24 crore were released to various departments and the Deputy Commissioners to provide immediate relief and carry out restoration works and a detailed memorandum of losses seeking liberal financial support from the National Disaster Response Funds (NDRF) has been submitted to the Centre.
A central team has already visited the rain affected areas from July 23 to 25, he said and informed that the government has approved an enhanced package of compensation to farmers affected due to the rains and snowfall during this period.
As per the revised package, farmers shall be eligible for compensation of Rs 2,000 per bigha in case of 25 to 50 per cent losses to agriculture and horticulture crops, Rs 2,500 per bigha for loss between 50 to 75 per cent and Rs 3,000 per bigha for loss above 75 per cent, he added.