Heavy rain disrupts life in Himachal, cloudburst causes devastation in Sirmaur

Heavy rainfall in several districts of Himachal Pradesh has severely disrupted life. As the monsoon prepares to withdraw, areas including Shimla, Mandi, Dharamshala, and most parts of Sirmaur have been experiencing heavy downpours. Over the three-day alert period, Sirmaur district has recorded the most rainfall, creating conditions similar to a cloudburst.

In the Giripar region of Aanjbhoj under the Paonta subdivision, one person lost his life after being buried under debris caused by the heavy rain. The deceased has been identified as 70-year-old Rangeelal, a resident of Atwal village in Amboya Panchayat. According to reports, Rangeelal was sleeping near a mill when suddenly, debris fell on it, leading to his death. His body has been recovered.

In the Paonta Sahib subdivision’s Parduni village, a late-night cloudburst caused flood-like conditions. The disaster has resulted in the destruction of crops worth lakhs of rupees, and around 500 meters of farmland was heavily damaged by the water and debris. However, no casualties have been reported.

Meanwhile, the heavy rains have also damaged the bridge on the Toka Nagla link road, cutting off access to Kotdi Byas village. The Sirmaur District Disaster Management Authority has advised residents to stay away from rivers and streams.

In the Danda Pagar area, a car was swept away by the floods, causing significant damage to homes and crops. Heavy rainfall has resumed in the Sirmaur district, further worsening the situation.

Due to the incessant rainfall, all educational institutions in the Paonta Sahib subdivision have been closed. SDM Gunjit Cheema has issued the necessary orders. With the water level in the Giri River rising, the gates of the Giri-Jaton Dam have been opened, and an alert has been issued for the plains. The Meteorological Department has also issued an orange alert until 9 AM on Thursday.