Shimla, Aug. 17 -- Communist Party of India (Marxist) has expressed grave concern over the widespread devastation caused by continuous heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, which have claimed 261 lives so far while 38 people remain missing.
In a statement issued by State Secretary Sanjay Chauhan, the CPI(M) said almost the entire state has been affected, with an estimated loss of Rs 2,144 crore. As per government data, 2,385 houses have been damaged, of which 566 have completely collapsed. Around 1,626 animals and 25,755 poultry birds have perished, while 360 shops and 2,174 cattle sheds have been destroyed.
The party noted that basic services including water supply, electricity and transport remain disrupted, with hundreds of roads, including...