Rains Wreak Havoc in Himachal Pradesh: Cloudbursts in Shimla and Mandi Claim 3 Lives, Leave 40 Missing
Heavy rains have unleashed devastation in Himachal Pradesh, leading to fatal cloudbursts in the Shimla and Mandi districts. These incidents have resulted in the tragic loss of three lives, with approximately 40 individuals reported missing. The relentless downpours have caused significant damage to infrastructure, washed away roads and bridges, and disrupted lives across the region. Rescue operations are currently underway as authorities scramble to provide relief and search for those still missing.
Himachal Pradesh Cloudburst Incidents: Key Updates
1. Casualties and Missing Persons:
- In two separate cloudburst incidents in Himachal Pradesh, three people have been confirmed dead, and around 40 others are missing.
- The first cloudburst occurred at Samagh Khud in Rampur subdivision of Shimla district, resulting in two fatalities and leaving 28 people missing. Two individuals have been rescued from the area.
2. Rescue and Relief Efforts:
- Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo Tibetan Border Police, local police, and home guards involved. Drones are being used to locate missing persons.
- Another cloudburst in the Thalatukhod area of Padhar in Mandi district left one person dead and nine others missing. The Mandi district administration has sought assistance from the Indian Air Force and NDRF for rescue operations.
3. Infrastructure Damage:
- The incidents have caused significant damage to infrastructure, with many houses and roads washed away. Four motorable and footbridges have been destroyed.
- The overflowing Beas River has damaged the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway at multiple locations. The swollen Parvati River and Malana Khud have also caused damage, affecting the Malana I and Malana II hydropower projects.
4. Impact on Agriculture and Transportation:
- The apple crop in the region has been damaged due to the heavy rains and cloudbursts.
- Road connectivity has been severely disrupted in the affected areas, with reports of landslides and flooding. The Manali-Chandigarh National Highway has been breached at several points, and the waters of the River Beas have entered homes in Pandoh, Mandi.
5. Response from Authorities:
- Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has convened an emergency meeting at the secretariat to coordinate the state's response to the disaster.
- Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi confirmed the extensive damage caused by the heavy rains and cloudbursts, emphasizing the challenges faced in rescue operations due to washed-away roads.
6. Public Safety Measures:
- An alert has been issued in the Bhuntar area of Kullu due to the threat posed by the swollen rivers.
- All educational institutions in the affected regions have been closed to prioritize rescue and relief operations.
The situation remains critical, with rescue teams working tirelessly to locate and assist the missing and affected individuals. The state's response is ongoing, with efforts focused on providing aid and restoring infrastructure.
Inputs by Agencies
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