Shimla, July 23 -- In wake of the repeated disasters being faced by the state, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) has set up the Himalayan Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience. Rural development and panchayati raj minister Anirudh Singh, who inaugurated the centre on the occasion of the HPU's 56th foundation day on Tuesday, said, "The formation of the new research department focuses on disaster management. It's timely and necessary given the increasing frequency of flash floods and cloudbursts in the region."

"Why are flash floods happening repeatedly in Himachal over the last five years? There must be scientific studies to understand these causes," he said.

The minister said the centre would conduct research for prevention,...