Manali: Himachal Pradesh is currently facing severe natural disasters, including multiple flash floods and cloudbursts, causing infrastructural damage and loss of life. The cumulative impact includes 52 missing persons, 4 damaged bridges, 9 stranded people, 15 damaged houses, and 5 blocked roads, according to Himachal Scape news organisation.
Rescue operations are ongoing, involving the NDRF, Home Guard, ITBP, and local fire stations, with the Indian Air Force airlifting teams to affected areas. Authorities are working tirelessly to locate missing persons, assist stranded individuals, and restore infrastructure.
In Kullu district, a cloudburst near Malana at 5:42am led to severe flooding in the Parvati River, washing away the Malana bridge. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the NDRF dispatched a team for rescue operations. Another incident at 6:30am left nine people stranded along the Beas River near Malana Village, with a fire station team sent to assist.
In Mandi district, a cloudburst at 2:28am in Village Tikkan Thalukot resulted in one death, one critical injury, nine missing persons, and damage to three to four houses. The Indian Air Force airlifted the NDRF team to the site by 8am.
In Shimla district, a severe cloudburst near the Hydro Project Jhakri at 4:47am initially reported 19 missing people, with the number rising to 36 by 9am. Rescue operations are ongoing with the support of the ITBP and local authorities.
This is the second consecutive year of severe rains in Himachal Pradesh, with last year’s monsoon resulting in 545 deaths and Rs12,500 crore in damages. This year’s toll stands at around 100 lives lost, primarily due to road accidents and the unpredictable monsoon.
