The spell of monsoon rains continues in Himachal Pradesh and rainfall has been reported in most parts of the state including the capital Shimla since last night. Efforts are underway to bring normal life back on track in affected areas by the recent heavy rains. Stranded Mani Mahesh pilgrims at various places in Chamba district have been accommodated at safe places.

Efforts are being made to restore roads with electricity and internet connectivity in the areas affected by excessive rains. After the restoration of traffic on the Chamba-Pathankot highway, around 7000 people stranded on the Mani Mahesh Yatra route have safely returned to their homes. Apart from this, about 3000 pilgrims are stranded in Bharmour who are completely safe and every possible step is being taken to send them back soon. Internet connectivity has been restored in Chamba city and efforts are on going to restore communication services in Bharmour as well.

An adequate supply of essential items are available in sufficient quantity in Bharmour. Meanwhile, State Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh will visit Chamba district today to review the situation, while Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has left for Chamba yesterday. On the other hand, emergency services in tribal district Lahaul Spiti have been affected due to floods and road blockages.

Acting on the instructions of the state government, five patients were airlifted from Singari to Kullu Hospital yesterday. Telephone connectivity has been partially restored in Lahaul-Spiti and the power sub-station of Thirot has also been restored smoothly. The state government has directed the administration to restore road connectivity on priority basis in the disaster affected areas. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution to declare the on going natural calamity as a national disaster yesterday. The Meteorological Department has predicted that monsoon rains will continue in the state till 3rd of September.