Shimla, Aug 1,
Manali, a popular tourist destination, has been cut off from the rest of the state, as announced by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. The districts of Mandi and Kullu have faced severe devastation due to a series of cloudbursts, leading to catastrophic floods and widespread damage. Following a cloudburst in Kullu district, a portion of National Highway-3 has been closed to vehicular traffic due to flash floods.
Meanwhile, so far no reports of tourists stranded in the affected region have come to light.
In Mandi, the Thalatukhod region experienced a significant cloudburst at midnight, resulting in the collapse of homes and disruption of road connectivity. The disaster has left nine people missing and claimed one life so far.
In the same distrcit at Rajban village, near Terang, under the jurisdiction of Police Post Tikkan in the Padhar subdivision, another cloudburst led to the complete destruction of two houses and partial damage to another. One fatality has been confirmed, and nine individuals remain unaccounted for. The local district police, along with administrative support, are conducting extensive search and rescue operations. One injured person has been successfully rescued.
Mandi District Police Superintendent and the Sub Divisional Police Officer of Padhar are on-site, managing the situation. The Superintendent of Police, Mandi, has reported that efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the missing individuals.
Also read: 52 missing, and widespread devastation as severe natural disasters hit Himachal Pradesh
The Mandi district administration has escalated the emergency response, seeking assistance from the Air Force and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Rescue teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are encountering significant challenges due to damaged infrastructure but remain committed to their mission. Deputy Commissioner Apurva Devgan is personally overseeing the relief efforts, traveling on foot to reach the affected areas.
As a precaution and to facilitate rescue operations, all educational institutions in the Padhar subdivision are closed today.
The community is urged to stay alert and cooperate with authorities during this challenging time. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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