Mandi, November 5 | Diary Times News Bureau

A regional team from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday visited the disaster-affected Seraj region in Mandi district to assess post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) 2025 framework.

The team inspected several severely impacted villages, including Dezi, Bugralchowk, Kuthah, Pandavshila, Thunag, and Bagsyad, which suffered extensive damage due to heavy rainfall and landslides on June 30. The disaster had caused significant loss of life and property across the region.

During the field visit, NDMA experts interacted with affected families, panchayat representatives, and departmental officials to review ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures. The team emphasized the importance of maintaining quality standards, safety, and long-term sustainability in all reconstruction work.

Prior to the inspection, the NDMA delegation held a coordination meeting with district officials in Mandi. Representatives from the Revenue, Public Works, Jal Shakti, Power, Education, Agriculture, Soil Conservation, Horticulture, and Health departments presented detailed reports on damages and ongoing recovery efforts.

The experts also reviewed departmental plans and suggested measures to reduce disaster risks, including improvements in drainage systems, slope stabilization in vulnerable areas, and the integration of risk mitigation practices in future development projects.

Later, at the Public Works Department office in Janjehli, the NDMA team interacted with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), ASHA and Anganwadi workers to discuss the role of community participation in improving the effectiveness of rehabilitation initiatives through people-centric planning and local engagement.

The NDMA delegation included Dr. S.K. Negi, Dr. Ashok Peepal, Dr. Mahesh, Annie George, and Krishna Thakur, who will prepare a comprehensive report based on their field assessment. The findings will serve as a key reference for upcoming reconstruction and disaster risk reduction strategies in the affected areas.

The team was accompanied by SDM Thunag Ramesh Kumar, Naib Tehsildar Arjun, and officials from various departments who briefed them on the progress of on-ground rehabilitation work.