Himachal Pradesh – Heavy flooding and destruction have been reported in the districts of Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu following a series of cloudbursts. The catastrophe has resulted in the disappearance of approximately 52 people, with three bodies recovered so far. The missing individuals include 35 from Shimla, nine from Mandi, and seven from Kullu.

In Kullu’s Jaon and Nirmand areas, the base camp for the Shrikhand Yatra was severely impacted by the cloudburst. Extensive relief and rescue operations are currently underway across the affected regions, with the most significant damage reported in the Jhakhri area of Rampur in Shimla district, where 36 people are still missing.

Shimla’s Jhakhri Area Severely Hit

In Jhakhri, a cloudburst near the hydro project at Samej Khadd caused a deluge, prompting an intensified rescue operation. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and fire departments are actively engaged in rescue efforts. Shimla Deputy Commissioner Amit Kashyap is overseeing the operations on-site. So far, two people have been rescued, while the search for the 36 missing individuals, including children and women, continues.

Mandi District: Nine Missing from Three Families

In Mandi district, a cloudburst in Thalaut Khod of Drang constituency has caused extensive damage, with nine people from three families reported missing. A 75-year-old woman has been confirmed dead. Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan confirmed the casualty and announced the closure of all schools and educational institutions in Padhar subdivision. The administration has alerted the Air Force for potential rescue operations if needed.

Destruction in Kullu: Bridges Collapsed, Houses Swept Away

Kullu district has also suffered significant damage due to heavy rainfall. According to Kullu Deputy Commissioner S. Ravish, a cloudburst in Nirmand destroyed two bridges, including one under construction, and swept away eight to nine houses. Seven people are reported missing, with relief and rescue teams actively searching for them.

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Overseeing Relief Efforts

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is personally monitoring the relief and rescue operations. He stated that teams from NDRF, SDRF, police, home guards, and fire services are engaged in relief efforts. Local administrations have been instructed to ensure smooth execution of these operations, and the state government is committed to providing all possible assistance.

CM Sukhu will shortly visit the affected areas via helicopter to inspect the damage and meet with the victims.