Monsoon showers in Himachal turn deadly, 144 dead and loss of 655 Cr
In Himachal Pradesh, the arrival of monsoon after the scorching summer is a time of joy and relief. The cool showers bring a burst of greenery and a fresh, invigorating atmosphere. But sometimes, nature’s blessings can turn into a curse. On the night of July 31, while people were peacefully asleep in their homes, a sudden, torrential downpour struck the region. What was supposed to be a calm monsoon night became a nightmare as cloudbursts at five different locations unleashed devastating floods. These floods swept away several houses, leaving families shattered and 53 people missing.
The rescue teams have been working tirelessly, and so far, they’ve recovered six bodies. The families of the 47 missing individuals are still holding onto hope, sifting through debris and stone heaps, praying for a miracle. But with each passing moment, that hope grows fainter.
Three major cloudburst incidents occurred in different parts of the state—Samej in Rampur, Nirmand under Kullu, and Thaluth Khad in Mandi district. The sudden and unexpected nature of these events left a total of 53 people unaccounted for. In response, a massive search operation is underway. In Bagipul, Kullu, a dedicated team of 38 members from the SDRF, Home Guards, Police, and Revenue Department is working around the clock. In Samej, a large contingent of 301 members from the NDRF, Police, Army, Home Guards, and Revenue Department is involved in the search efforts. Over in Mandi district, a team of 70 members from various departments is on the ground, doing everything they can to locate the missing. Along the Sutlej River, from Jhakri to Kol Dam, more than 100 people, including local residents, are participating in the search.
Amid this tragedy, the resilience and spirit of the people of Himachal Pradesh shine through. They are united in their efforts to find their loved ones and support each other in this difficult time. As the search continues, the community remains hopeful, even as the reality of the situation sets in.
