Shimla, Aug 2,
Death toll rises to six, and 47 are still missing in Himachal Pradesh after the devastating floods. In the wake of the disaster triggered by a cloudburst at five locations during Wednesday night’s rain, rescue operations across Himachal Pradesh have intensified. The latest figures indicate that three more bodies were recovered today, bringing the death toll to six.
A total of 55 people have been evacuated till now from all effected areas of the State and 25 are stranded yet in the Kullu district.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and Home Guard personnel are working tirelessly to locate the 47 people still missing.
Around 61 houses have been fully damaged with 42 suffering a partial loss in this uncalled disaster.
Shimla reports 33 missing individuals, with no recoveries yet.
In Rajban village, Chauharghati of Mandi, the collapse of three houses has left five members of three families unaccounted for. Five bodies have been recovered here, and one injured person has been safely rescued from the debris.
In Bagipul, Kullu, seven people, including five members of a single family, went missing. Two bodies, including that of a woman, have been found, while five remain missing.
Eyewitness Naresh Kumar described the suddenness of the flash flood at midnight, saying, “It only took a second, and it was all over.” Two more bodies were recovered in Chauharghati on Friday, identified as Aman and Aryan, both eighth-grade students. This brings the total to five dead in Chauharghati, with five still missing.
DC Kullu S. Torul Ravish reported that 15 families in Samej Khad have been affected, with four houses completely damaged.
Three people from the district are missing, and immediate compensation of Rs 1.25 lakh has been provided to affected families. Schools in Samej Khad have collapsed, and temporary classes will be held in Mahila Mandal and Yuvak Mandal buildings.
Radhika, Anjali, and Ritika Koch from Rampur Samej, who made their school the overall champion in the Under-19 competition this year, have been missing since Wednesday midnight.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu visited the flood-affected areas of Samej, Ghanavi, Bagipul, and Nirmand this morning. He advised tourists to avoid flood-hit regions and warned against taking selfies near rivers and streams, citing the risk of slipping and potential life-threatening situations.
Local BJP MP and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has called the district officials but did not visit the affected area due to the red-orange alert for rain.
Also read:Himachal Pradesh Disaster: 4 Dead, 49 missing, and 9 stranded amidst monsoon fury
The ongoing rescue efforts reflect the resilience and solidarity of the affected communities and the dedicated personnel striving to ensure the safety and recovery of all missing individuals.
Empower Independent Journalism – Join Us Today!
Dear Reader,
We’re committed to unbiased, in-depth journalism that uncovers truth and gives voice to the unheard. To sustain our mission, we need your help. Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels our research, reporting, and impact.
Stand with us in preserving independent journalism’s integrity and transparency. Support free press, diverse perspectives, and informed democracy.
Click [here] to join and be part of this vital endeavour.
Thank you for valuing independent journalism.
Warmly,
Vishal Sarin, Editor
