Mandi, July 8,
The death toll in the catastrophic July 1 cloudburst and flash flood incidents in Thunag and Seraj regions of Mandi district has climbed to 85, after rescue teams comprising the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF and police recovered five more bodies on Monday.
The ongoing search and rescue operation gained pace as partly cloudy and mostly dry weather offered respite, allowing deeper excavation into debris piles and along riverbanks. Despite the progress, 35 people are still missing, officials confirmed.
In the worst-affected Thunag sub-division, multiple villages were buried under massive debris triggered by intense rainfall and cloudbursts. Key areas including Pakhrair, Pandav Sheela, Jundi, Lambathach and Rode witnessed large-scale destruction. As per State Emergency Operation Centre reports, 247 houses, 149 cowsheds, 81 shops, 30 vehicles, and 6 bridges were damaged or washed away in Thunag alone. Over 225 cattle perished, and five relief camps have been set up to shelter the displaced.
Search and rescue operations are being supported by aerial sorties and specialised teams, with two pregnant women safely airlifted from inaccessible areas last week. Continuous monitoring and deployment of drones are underway to trace missing persons across swollen river stretches and isolated debris fields.
In Seraj subdivision, similar devastation was reported. Landslides and mudslides disrupted road connectivity and hampered early rescue efforts. As of Tuesday morning, 87 roads remain blocked in Seraj, severely affecting access to remote villages, according to the SEOC’s public utility report.
District authorities have assured all possible assistance, but the scale of the tragedy has overwhelmed local capacities. The Himachal Pradesh Government is coordinating with central agencies for further logistical and financial support.
The state has witnessed more than 85 fatalities and over 100 injuries across various districts since June 20 due to flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides during this monsoon season.
Search operations continue as families wait in agony, clinging to the hope of locating their missing loved ones.
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