NEWS

Himachal Hit by Cloudbursts and Heavy Rains: 52 Missing, Two Dead

On Thursday morning, Himachal Pradesh woke up to a scene of devastation as relentless rain and cloudbursts struck three districts. The eerie echoes of last year’s disaster loomed large as the natural calamity left 52 people missing and tragically claimed two lives.

The heavy rainfall and flash floods unleashed a fury that saw rivers, streams, and dams overflow. The rising waters caused alarm throughout the region, with lower areas experiencing severe flood-like conditions. The force of nature left a path of destruction, sweeping away homes and shops and disrupting the lives of countless residents.

In response, authorities have issued urgent warnings, urging people to stay away from rivers and streams. The Beas and Parvati rivers are particularly swollen, inundating several nearby areas. Tourists and locals alike have been cautioned to keep a safe distance from the riverbanks, as the situation remains precarious.

The Malana Dam in Kullu and the Pandoh Dam in Mandi, both filled to capacity, have begun releasing water to prevent further damage. The rising levels of the Sutlej River also necessitated the release of additional water from the Nathpa Dam. With rivers swelling and floodwaters encroaching, the administration’s pleas for caution have never been more critical.

The Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Authority reported a cloudburst in Nirmand, Kullu district, at around 1:30 AM. This event led to flooding and left seven people unaccounted for. The destruction was widespread, with two bridges, 11 houses, and six shops swept away. A road was also damaged, halting traffic and cutting off access to some areas.

In Kullu district, the Parvati River’s raging waters consumed a three-story vegetable market building. Meanwhile, in Sainj, a private bus was washed away as the river’s water levels surged.

The Disaster Management Authority also reported a severe cloudburst in Rampur, Shimla, at 4:47 AM. Near the Jhakri hydro project, 36 people went missing, and one person was confirmed dead. Rescue and relief teams, including the NDRF, Home Guard, SDRF, and ITBP, have been dispatched, but they face challenging conditions in reaching the affected areas.

A similar scene unfolded at around 2:30 AM in Padhar tehsil, Mandi district, where a cloudburst left nine people missing and one dead. Despite the chaos, rescue teams managed to save an injured individual. In Mandi, water is being released from the Pandoh Dam due to the heavy rainfall, and the Beas River is dangerously swollen, bringing back haunting memories of last year’s catastrophe.

As Himachal Pradesh battles these overwhelming challenges, the spirit of resilience among its people shines through, reminding us all of the strength and solidarity that emerges in the face of nature’s fury.

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