Shimla, Aug 1,
The monsoon season has wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh, with severe weather incidents over the last 22 hours causing significant destruction across three districts—Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla. The devastation includes cloudbursts, flash floods, and rising water levels, resulting in the deaths of four people, 49 missing individuals, and nine stranded.
Kullu District
The district of Kullu bore the brunt of the disaster with multiple incidents. A cloudburst at Jaon in Tehsil Nirman at 1:38 AM resulted in nine people missing, one death, and the washing away of 11 houses and six shops. The incident also damaged two bridges and blocked one road.
In another incident, the water level in the Parvati River at Sainj rose significantly at 4:55 AM, blocking one road and washing away a bus. A subsequent flash flood in Malana, Sub Tehsil Jari, at 5:42 AM caused damage to a national highway, a bridge, and blocked another road. Rescue operations were carried out by an NDRF team.
Later, at 6:30 AM, nine people were stranded in the Beas River near Charuru in Tehsil and District Kullu. NDRF and fire teams conducted rescue operations to save the stranded individuals.
Mandi District
Mandi district experienced a severe cloudburst at Village Tikkar Thalu Kot in Tehsil Padhar at 2:28 AM. This incident resulted in three deaths, one injury, seven people missing, and the blockage of one road. The NDRF, police, and fire brigade teams carried out rescue operations.
Shimla District
In Shimla, a cloudburst near the Hydro Project in Jhakri, Tehsil Rampur, at 4:47 AM caused significant damage. Thirty-three people are reported missing, five houses and two pedestrian bridges were destroyed, and one road and one bridge were damaged. Additionally, one JCB and three light motor vehicles were washed away. Rescue operations were conducted by two NDRF teams, along with the Home Guard and ITBP.
Summary of Damages
The monsoon fury in Himachal Pradesh has led to severe devastation across multiple districts. A total of 49 individuals are reported missing, while four have lost their lives. One person has been injured in the incidents. Infrastructure damage includes four bridges and two pedestrian bridges that have been destroyed. Additionally, nine individuals were stranded due to the adverse weather conditions.
Approximately 20 houses have been affected by the floods and cloudbursts, and six shops have been completely destroyed. The heavy rains and subsequent flooding have also blocked five roads, including one national highway. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing to address the extensive damage and assist those impacted by this natural disaster.
Rescue and Relief Operations
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local police, fire brigade, Home Guard teams, and ITBP, have been actively involved in rescue and relief operations. Efforts are ongoing to locate the missing persons and provide aid to the affected communities.
The Himachal Pradesh State Emergency Operation Centre continues to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with various agencies to ensure a swift response and aid to the disaster-stricken areas.
Residents are advised to stay vigilant and follow updates from official sources for safety instructions and further information.
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