Himachal Pradesh is reeling from the aftermath of severe rain and multiple cloudburst incidents that have wreaked havoc across several districts. The regions of Nirmand in Ani, Malana in Kullu, Thaltukhod in Mandi, and Chamba have been hit hard, with significant damage reported to houses, schools, and hospitals.
Tragically, around 50 people are missing, and four bodies have been recovered so far. In a stroke of relief, 35 people have been rescued safely.
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Mandi District: Midnight Devastation
The cloudburst struck Thaltukhod in Mandi district at midnight, causing widespread destruction. Houses have collapsed, and road connectivity has been severely disrupted. Local authorities, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been dispatched to the scene.
Kali Ram, the Panchayat Pradhan of Thaltukhod, confirmed that the villages of Terang and Rajban have been particularly affected, with many residents still unaccounted for.
Reports indicate that three houses have been washed away, and nine people are missing in the Padhar subdivision of Thaltukhod. One body has been recovered, and 35 individuals have been reported safe.
Rescue Efforts Underway
The Mandi district administration has alerted the Air Force for potential rescue operations, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been called for assistance.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan and rescue teams are making their way to the affected areas on foot due to impassable roads and broken pathways. The local administration is tirelessly working on relief efforts despite the challenging conditions.
Shimla-Kullu Border: Extensive Damage
The Shimla-Kullu border has also suffered extensive damage from the cloudburst. Numerous houses, schools, and hospitals have been damaged, and many people are reported missing.
Relief and rescue operations are ongoing, with the SDRF team heading to the site. The Nirmand area of Kullu has been particularly hard-hit, with over 20 people reported missing.
Incident Near Hydro Project
A cloudburst near the hydro project in Samej Khad, Jhakdi of Nirmand block, occurred early Thursday morning, adding to the devastation. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi have rushed to the site.
DC Kashyap stated that as soon as the incident was reported, teams from NDSRF, police, and other rescue units were dispatched to the scene.
Immediate Response and Orders
In response to the crisis, all schools and educational institutions in Padhar, Mandi, have been closed, as ordered by the District Commissioner (DC).
The swift action aims to ensure the safety of students and staff while allowing rescue operations to proceed unhindered.
Ongoing Challenges
Rescue teams face significant challenges in reaching the affected areas due to damaged infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, efforts continue to locate and assist those affected by the disaster.
The situation remains critical, and authorities are doing everything possible to mitigate the impact and provide aid to the victims.
The state of Himachal Pradesh is grappling with the enormity of the disaster, with rescue and relief operations in full swing. The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with those affected by this calamity.
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