Death toll rises to 54 in Himachal Pradesh, Independence Day reels under disaster, says PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed concern over the disasters in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from the Red Fort on the morning of Independence Day. He described the situation in the hill states as an “unimaginable crisis”. The Prime Minister also conveyed his condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the disaster.

The death toll due to the disaster in Himachal Pradesh has risen to 54. The entire state has been affected by the heavy rains that began on Sunday. In Uttarakhand too, natural calamities claimed the lives of three people. At least 10 people are missing. In such a situation, independence day celebrations have faded in the disaster-hit state. The Himachal Pradesh administration has announced that there will be no cultural programme anywhere in the state on the occasion of Independence Day. The event that was planned has been cancelled.