Dharamsala, July 30

Kangra Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hemraj Bairwa said heavy rainfall warnings had been issued from July 31 to August 1 in weather forecast issued by the Indian Meteorology Department. He asked people to avoid going to upper hill and areas where landslides could occur during rains. The DC said trekking in bad weather could be dangerous and life threatening.

Advisory from admn

• Advisory issued for heavy rains starting from today
• Kangra Deputy Commissioner warns people to avoid going to mountainous areas
• Officials instructed to be prepared with necessary equipment to deal with any untoward situation
• Instructions given to deploy JCB at places vulnerable to landslides in the district

He said people were also prohibited to go near rivers and drains to avoid any untoward incident. He said all panchayat representatives had been instructed to remain vigilant. He appealed to people not to travel unnecessarily in heavy rain and stay at safe places.

The DC said the district administration was fully prepared for relief and rehabilitation work. All officials had been instructed to remain vigilant in the field and be prepared with necessary machinery and equipment to deal with any situation arising due to inclement weather conditions, he said. Instructions had been given to deploy JCB at places vulnerable to landslides in the district, he said.

He urged residents to contact the District Disaster Management Control Room toll free number 1077 immediately in case of an emergency. These control rooms would remain open for 24 hours in all sub-divisions including the district headquarters, he added.