SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh government on Monday appealed to residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during the monsoon season.The government also informed residents to strictly adhere to weather advisories as the state continues to face cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and widespread damage caused by heavy rainfall, news agency ANI reported.Special Secretary (Disaster Management) Pushpendra Rana said the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and the state’s disaster management machinery were working round the clock to reduce casualties and ensure a swift response to emergencies.“We have witnessed several tragic incidents during this monsoon season. One of the most heartbreaking was the loss of 13 people who were travelling when they were caught in a disaster. Similar incidents have occurred in Kangra and other parts of the state, causing significant loss of life and property,” Rana said.He said the latest data showed that Himachal Pradesh has witnessed nine cloudbursts, around 19 flash floods and four major cloudburst-affected locations during the current monsoon.More than 120 roads remain blocked due to landslides and heavy rain, while several drinking water supply schemes have also been disrupted, ANI reported.Rana said, “So far, around 15 to 16 people have lost their lives during the current monsoon season. Our foremost priority is to minimise casualties.”“Through the media, I appeal to everyone to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions and strictly follow the advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the State Disaster Management Authority. These precautions can help prevent loss of life and property,” he added.Rana said a detailed assessment of the damage was underway, noting that officials were evaluating losses and preparing estimates for reconstruction.He informed, “Our preliminary estimate indicates that the monsoon has caused damage worth nearly Rs 800 crore to Rs 1,000 crore across Himachal Pradesh. A detailed assessment is being carried out, after which a comprehensive memorandum will be prepared.”“We will seek financial assistance through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), central government support and other available funding mechanisms,” he said.The special secretary said SDRF teams, district administrations and other disaster response agencies had been placed on high alert across the state.He added that Emergency Operations Centres at the state and district levels were functioning 24×7 to monitor the situation and coordinate relief efforts.“The entire disaster management system has been activated. We are monitoring the situation round the clock. Whenever any incident is reported, immediate action is taken. Instructions have been issued to all field officers to respond promptly, inform the respective district magistrates and ensure that affected people receive all necessary assistance without delay,” Rana said.He said district administrations had also been directed to extend all possible support to people affected by rain-related disasters and ensure timely rescue, relief and restoration of essential services.Meanwhile, the IMD has warned of intensified rainfall activity across Himachal Pradesh over the next few days.Senior scientist at IMD Himachal Pradesh, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, said light to moderate rainfall was recorded in Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Bilaspur, Kullu and Kangra districts over the past 24 hours.Kandaghat in Solan district received the highest rainfall at around 100mm, followed by Kahu in Bilaspur with 40mm, while Shimla city recorded approximately 16mm of rainfall.Sharma said a yellow alert has been issued for Solan and Sirmaur districts for Monday, with heavy rainfall likely at one or two places.He further said rainfall activity is expected to intensify significantly between July 28 and July 31.“An orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued for Bilaspur and Sirmaur districts for Tuesday,” he added.The state government has repeatedly urged the public to remain vigilant during periods of heavy rainfall, avoid visiting rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas.The government has also urged people to stay updated with official weather forecasts and disaster advisories as the monsoon continues across Himachal Pradesh.(With agency inputs)