Shimla, July 22 -- Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Monday sought Centre's assistance for restoration work in the villages facing devastation due to heavy rains across Mandi.

Terming the destruction as unprecedented, Jai Ram, addressing a press conference on Monday, said, "This is not just one rainy season, it's a calamity that will haunt us for decades. I will personally meet Union home minister Amit Shah and PM and will take MPs along with and push for maximum central assistance," he said.

"We need massive help because restoration will take several years. Everything I had built in my 30 years as an MLA in my constituency has been destroyed," said Jai Ram.

"Any financial support should be transferred di...