Shimla, July 18 -- The Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagat Singh Negi on Saturday said the state government has made comprehensive preparations to deal with any emergency arising out of the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast of heavy rainfall over the next four days, with disaster response teams strategically deployed and all departments placed on alert.

Addressing reporters, Negi said the IMD has issued a weather alert warning of significant rainfall and that the government has been reviewing preparedness at every level well before the onset of the monsoon.

"The Chief Minister, ministers and Deputy Commissioners have held a series of meetings ahead of the monsoon. All concerned...