India, July 20 -- Himachal Pradesh is still assessing losses from cloudbursts, landslides and flash floods that have hit the state over the past three weeks. Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, 61, is working to deliver relief and rehabilitation after the second major natural disaster to strike the hill state in two years. In a conversation with Hindustan Times at his official Oakover residence in Shimla on Saturday, Sukhu spoke about his challenges, expectations from the Centre and priorities for the second half of his five-year term. Edited excerpts:

The recent disaster has caused an estimated loss of Rs.1,100 crore. At least 85 lives have been lost, and 34 people are still missing. Mandi district and adjoining parts of Kullu have b...