Himachal residents prepare for flood havoc

Himachal Pradesh is preparing for the worst after the Govt made it clear that the artificial lake up-stream in China, located 35 km from the India border can burst any time.

Himachal Pradesh is preparing for the worst after the government made it clear that the artificial lake up-stream in China, located 35 km from the India border can burst any time.

HT Image

The huge quantity of water in the lake is being held back by only a heap of rocks caused by a landslide and the blockage is now unstable.

The data available from satellite images provided by Hyderabad-based National Remote Sensing Agency, Department of Space gives a clear view of the problem.

Amid heightened concerns, the authorities in Himachal Pradesh, who have done a lot to face this disaster are still preparing for the worst.

As a precautionary measure, sand bags have been piled up and troops are on standby for rescue work on the banks of the Sutlej after news that the newly formed Parechu lake in Tibet has begun overflowing and can cause flash floods in five districts of Himachal Pradesh.

"If the dam continues to overflow like this the danger will carry on and the tidal wave will be bout 15 m long which can wipe out villages," says RK Singh, Central Relief Commissioner.

Air Force helicopters and Army personnel were put on high alert in bases inside and outside Himachal Pradesh.

An Air Force spokesman said five MI-17 choppers had been placed on emergency standby at Chandigarh base to mount any emergency rescue as well as carry out aerial surveys of the Indo-Tibetan border to keep track of the swelling Sutlej River.

The Air force has set up an operations room at the Chandigarh air base while its officers are also manning disaster watch cell in Shimla.