Sukhu donates Rs 51 lakh for flood victims
Shimla, Sep 15: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday donated Rs 51 lakh for the rehabilitation of people affected by the devastating rains that triggered flash floods and landslides, killing over 250 people across the state. Sukhu donated the amount towards the ‘Aapda Rahat Kosh’ to extend a helping hand to the disaster-affected people, a government spokesperson told IANS. He said the Chief Minister and his wife, Kamlesh Thakur, presented the cheque to Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena at their official residence here. “I could well understand the pain of the people and their plight during the recent monsoon fury in which more than 250 precious lives were lost, and many were rendered homeless besides suffering huge losses,” an official statement quoting the Chief Minister said. “Every section of society has voluntarily contributed towards the relief fund. Even the children broke their piggy banks to help those in distress,” he said, adding that the people of Himachal have stood together to face the catastrophe. Sukhu also gave away his one year’s salary and contributed Rs 11 lakh towards the state relief fund. (IANS)
Fire erupts in Dahod-Anand train coach
Dahod, Sep 15: A fire broke out in one of the coaches of the Dahod-Anand MEMU train at Jakot station in Gujarat’s Dahod district on Friday, triggering panic among passengers. The incident occurred while the MEMU train, designed for short and medium-distance routes, was en route to Godhra. Accompanied by senior railway officials, the Dahod Assistant Superintendent of Police K Sidhant, was also present at the incident site. According to ASP Sidhant, the fire broke out in the last compartment of the MEMU train and was successfully contained, preventing its spread to the remaining coaches. The outbreak of fire in one of the coaches triggered panic among passengers, prompting an evacuation to ensure their safety. The billowing smoke could be seen from a distance, adding to the urgency of the situation. There were no reported casualties or injuries. (PTI)