Monsoon safety alert issued for Sirmaur

Nahan, July 6

Deputy Commissioner Sumit Khimta, who is also the chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, today said the Southwest Monsoon was fully active in the state, categorising Sirmaur district as highly vulnerable to various disasters.

According to Khimta, the district frequently experiences landslides and floods during the monsoon season. Rivers such as Giri, Yamuna, Markanda, Jalal, Bata and Tons often witness tragic drowning incidents and to prevent such occurrences, residents have been warned to avoid going to rivers, streams and other water bodies for swimming, bathing, washing or any other activities during rains, he added.

Despite warnings, people recklessly approach these water bodies, endangering their lives. The DC urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel in areas prone to landslides and near rivers and streams. He said any essential or emergency travel should be conducted only after consulting weather advisories from the Meteorological Department and the district administration.

Khimta recommended that people download the Sachet application, developed by the National Disaster Management Authority, Union Ministry of Home Affairs, for weather updates and the Damini application for lightning alerts on mobile phones.

In case of any emergency, residents should immediately contact the disaster management cell at the Deputy Commissioner’s office through the toll-free numbers — 1077 and 112. He also appealed to all village panchayats, schools and other institutions to raise awareness and maintain vigilance in their areas.

“Sharing this information widely can help minimise loss of life and property during the monsoon season,” said Khimta, urging all residents to cooperate with the authorities concerned.