Shimla, July 25 -- Since 2018, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed 148 cloudbursts, 294 flash floods and over 5,000 landslides due to which, the state incurred a loss of Rs.1,000 to Rs.2,000 crore annually. Of all districts, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur and Mandi are extremely vulnerable to such events.

Special secretary (revenue and disaster management) DC Rana shared this in a meeting with the multi-sectoral central team, constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, to identify the scientific causes behind extreme weather events and explore long-term solutions to minimise their impact.

"Given the severe and recurrent weather-related disasters, this is perhaps the first time such a focused scientific study is being undertaken in Himachal," ...