In response to the widespread devastation caused by heavy rainfall, floods, flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides in several states, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to constitute Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to assess the damage in affected regions. The teams have been formed for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

These IMCTs are tasked with conducting on-the-spot assessments of the situation and the relief efforts undertaken by the respective state governments. The teams will visit the affected districts early next week to evaluate the extent of the damage caused by the natural calamities. An IMCT and a multi-sectoral team have already visited Himachal Pradesh for initial assessments.

Each IMCT will be led by a senior officer of the level of Joint Secretary from the MHA or the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The teams will comprise senior officials from various key ministries and departments, including Expenditure, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Jal Shakti, Power, Road Transport and Highways, and Rural Development.

The MHA is in constant communication with senior officials from the affected states and the Union Territory, offering all necessary logistical assistance to ensure a coordinated disaster response. This includes the deployment of teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and Air Force helicopters to assist in search and rescue operations and the restoration of essential services.

This proactive measure aligns with the decision made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in August 2019, which mandates the immediate dispatch of IMCTs after a severe natural disaster, without waiting for formal damage assessment reports from the states. Based on the evaluations of the IMCTs, the Central Government will provide additional financial assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) in accordance with established procedures.

The Central Government has already released substantial funds to support disaster relief efforts. During the financial year 2025-26, ₹10,498.80 crore has been released to 24 states under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Additionally, ₹1,988.91 crore has been provided from the NDRF to 12 states, ₹3,274.90 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 20 states, and ₹372.09 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to nine states.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government has reaffirmed its commitment to stand by the states affected by natural calamities, ensuring timely assistance and relief to those impacted by the heavy monsoon events. The prompt formation of these assessment teams and the allocation of funds demonstrate the government's dedication to mitigating the hardships faced by the people in the rain-hit states.