Pakhrair, Seraj: 8 Days Without Power, Roads Blocked—Even 5 Kg of Ration Hard to Deliver

Mandi, July 18:
The remote Pakhrair panchayat in Seraj remains cut off even eight days after the devastating flash flood on June 30. While road access has been restored up to the panchayat office, the worst-hit villages like Deji are still waiting for basic services. The extent of damage has severely delayed road restoration and power supply, adding to locals’ woes.

Eleven people are still missing, and entire homes, orchards, and greenhouses have been swept away. Residents say it’s nearly impossible to carry even 5 kg of rations due to destroyed pathways. Most homes in Deji have been damaged, and families are demanding urgent road repairs to speed up relief operations.

Panchayat head Monika Thakur said all 406 families are affected, with 70% of the apple crop and many polyhouses destroyed. Nine houses were completely washed away, and 48 more are uninhabitable. Power remains out, and water supply has only been partially restored. Local efforts are ongoing to repair footpaths and reopen the primary school in Lambsafard.

Located just 10 km from Shikari Devi, Pakhrair was the first area hit by the cloudburst. It took five days for the NDRF team to reach the village and begin rescue operations.