Shimla, Aug 3
The recent cloud burst and subsequent flash floods have caused significant damage and loss in the districts of Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla. As of the latest update, no new recoveries have been reported in the past 12 hours.
The catastrophic weather event has claimed six lives so far, with one fatality reported in Kullu and five in Mandi. A total of 47 people remain missing, including 9 from Kullu, 33 from Shimla, and 5 from Mandi. Emergency evacuation efforts have relocated 11 individuals, 10 of whom were from Kullu and 1 from Shimla.
Also read:Death toll rises to six, 47 still missing in Himachal Pradesh after devastating floods
The flash floods have wreaked havoc on infrastructure across these districts. Sixty houses have been completely destroyed, with Kullu suffering the most significant loss of 31 houses, followed by Shimla with 25 and Mandi with 4. Additionally, 35 houses have sustained partial damage, predominantly in Kullu. The disaster has also led to the destruction of 19 cattle sheds, primarily in Kullu.
Critical infrastructure has not been spared, with five motorable bridges and nine pedestrian bridges damaged. The floods have also impacted 10 shops, 4 schools, and 1 health facility. Sixteen vehicles and three fish farms have been affected by the floods.
In response to the disaster, significant resources have been deployed across the affected regions, stated a official spokesperson. In Kullu (Jaon/Bagipul), 39 personnel are on the ground, including 22 from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and 17 police officers, they added. In Shimla (Samej), a total of 301 personnel have been deployed, including 67 from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 69 police officers, 30 from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), 110 Army personnel, 25 from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and 16 additional personnel. In Mandi (Tikkan), 70 personnel are engaged in relief efforts, including 33 from the NDRF, 12 from the SDRF, and 25 police officers, informed the spokesperson.
Moreover, 84 personnel, comprising 33 from the NDRF, 14 from the SDRF, 10 police officers, 15 Home Guards, and 12 Forest Guards, have been deployed along the Satluj River up to the Sunni area to trace the victims of the Samej incident, they stated.
Efforts are ongoing to manage the aftermath of the disaster and provide relief to the affected areas. Authorities are working tirelessly to search for the missing individuals and ensure the safety of those impacted by this calamity. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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