Cloudburst incident in Kullu, Mandi and Shimla-Kullu border; one body recovered, 35 still missing

Shimla, August 01: Heavy rains led to devastating cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh, impacting Kullu, Mandi and Shimla-Kullu border. The disaster has caused extensive damage, with homes, schools and hospitals suffering heavy losses. Around 35 people are missing, one body was recovered in Mandi and 35 people were successfully rescued.

Mandi District: Midnight Disaster-

A cloudburst hit Mandi’s Thaltukhod area at midnight, causing several houses to collapse and disrupting road connectivity. Residents of Thaltukhod area confirmed that Terang and Rajban villages have been badly affected, with several residents missing and three houses washed away. Rescue operations are underway, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other teams have been dispatched to the area.

Nine people are missing in Padhar subdivision of Thaltukhod, where one body has been recovered. The Mandi district administration has alerted the Air Force and sought assistance from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). DC Apoorva Devgan and rescue teams are trekking in the affected areas, facing significant challenges due to damaged roads and paths.

Shimla-Kullu border: Heavy damage and missing people-

The cloudburst has also caused heavy damage on the Shimla-Kullu border, where several houses, schools and hospitals have been damaged. Relief and rescue operations are in full swing. In Nirmand block, 19 people went missing after a cloudburst near the hydro project in Samej Khad of Jhakri on Thursday morning. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi are monitoring the rescue efforts along with the NDSRF, police and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap confirmed that the rescue operation involves the ITBP and Special Home Guards. All essential services, including ambulances, are part of the coordinated response.

Malana One and Malana Two power projects in Kullu district have suffered heavy damage. The water level of Parvati river has risen dangerously, due to which riverine areas like Bhuntar had to be evacuated. People living on the banks of Beas and Tirthan rivers have also been advised to move to safer places due to rising water level.

8-10 houses have been washed away in Bagipul in Nirmand area of ​​Kullu, including a patwarkhana, hotel and shops. Seven to ten people are missing, of which seven of the missing belong to the same family. The bus stand in Bagipul has been destroyed and 15 vehicles have been washed away. Rescue operations led by the tehsildar are underway, although several bridges and roads remain closed.

Rescue teams are battling challenging conditions to reach the affected areas. The administration is urging people to stay away from rivers and streams and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety.

The cloudburst disaster in Himachal Pradesh underlines the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and highlights the urgent need for better disaster preparedness and response strategies. As rescue efforts continue, the priority remains on saving lives and providing relief to those affected by this devastating natural disaster.

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