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Himachal Pradesh is grappling with severe weather conditions as Mandi district experiences significant destruction from 10 cloudbursts. The region is dealing with flash floods, landslides, and damaged bridges. Rescue operations are actively being conducted to manage the crisis.
The torrential rains have severely impacted Himachal Pradesh over recent days, leading to multiple natural disasters. Mandi district has been identified as the most affected area, with official reports confirming 10 cloudburst incidents there. These events have caused extensive damage, loss of life, and disruption to daily life and infrastructure.
Impact on Infrastructure
The intense rainfall has also resulted in four flash flood occurrences and numerous landslides across the state. Authorities are particularly concerned about the Pandoh Dam in Mandi, which has recorded its highest water discharge this year at 1,57,000 cusecs. This highlights the severity of the situation and the potential threat to downstream areas.
In response to these events, all schools and educational institutions in affected regions have been closed for two days. This precautionary measure aims to prevent further casualties and allow emergency services to focus on rescue efforts. Mandi district has officially been declared the worst-hit area.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
The disaster has resulted in four fatalities: one each in Karsog and Jogindernagar subdivisions, and two in Gohar. Additionally, four individuals have sustained injuries, while 16 people remain missing. In Gohar's Siyanj area alone, nine individuals are reportedly stranded awaiting rescue.
Emergency services have launched extensive evacuation operations. So far, they have rescued 287 people: 233 from Mandi, 51 from Hamirpur, and three from Chamba. Despite these efforts, the catastrophe has also claimed 26 animal lives, further impacting rural households reliant on livestock.
Damage Assessment
The destruction extends to property and infrastructure as well. Ten houses and 12 cowsheds have been destroyed. The Manglore Bridge in Bali Chowki sub-division suffered significant damage, affecting transport routes for relief vehicles.
Landslide debris has blocked Tunnels 11 and 13 on National Highway-305 in the Bali Chowki section. This obstruction hampers vehicular movement and delays critical supply deliveries.
Response by Disaster Management Teams
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have mobilised multiple teams for relief efforts. Two teams from each agency are deployed in key affected areas. An NDRF team is already present in Karsog sub-division; additional teams are heading to Gohar and Thunag for intensified search operations.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely with updates provided by district-level emergency operation centres as new information becomes available. Residents across Himachal Pradesh are urged to stay alert, avoid risky areas, and adhere strictly to guidelines issued by local administrations.
