Himachal Pradesh was struck by a series of devastating cloudbursts this morning, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and leaving at least 50 others missing. The severe weather events caused significant damage in Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu.
In Shimla, disaster management authorities reported that at least 20 people are missing following a cloudburst near a hydroelectric power project at Samej Khad. A disaster response team has been dispatched to the site, and top officials, including Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and district police chief Sanjeev Gandhi, are enroute to oversee rescue operations.
Deputy Commissioner Kashyap confirmed, “According to the information we received, about 20 people are missing from the area affected by the cloudburst.”
Efforts to reach the affected area have been hampered by disrupted road connectivity, forcing rescue teams to trek to the site.
Mandi, located about 125 km from Shimla, also experienced severe impacts from cloudbursts. Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan issued an order noting that the cloudbursts in Rajban village near Muhal Terang have led to road blockages and landslides. Consequently, all educational institutions and vocational training centers in the Padhar subdivision have been closed to ensure safety.
ALSO READ: ‘Red alert came hours after landslides struck Wayanad’: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan refutes claims by Amit Shah
“Under these circumstances, movement of staff, school and college children, and trainees may not be safe and should be restricted,” Deputy Commissioner Devgan stated.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Uttarakhand is also grappling with the effects of the monsoon. In Tehri Garhwal district, two people died, and another was injured after a cloudburst in Jakhanyali. The deceased have been identified as Bhanu Prasad (50) and Anita Devi (45).
A State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) spokesperson reported that three individuals were initially missing following the cloudburst. “During the search, SDRF recovered two bodies and found an injured person in a 200-meter-deep ditch. He was brought out on a stretcher,” the spokesperson said.
Did you know that you can join The Theorist on WhatsApp and stay updated? Click here
In Haridwar, heavy rainfall caused the collapse of a dilapidated house’s roof, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to nine others. The victims were identified as Aas Mohammed (10) and Nagma (8). District Magistrate Dhiraj Singh Garbyal told ANI that three of the injured are in critical condition, while the remaining six are hospitalized but out of danger. “This old house was in a dilapidated state, and heavy rain caused it to collapse,” he explained.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are urging caution and preparedness as the monsoon season progresses.
