Cloud Burst in Himachal: Over 50 Missing, Rescue Efforts Underway

Pune, 1st August 2024: Late Wednesday night, multiple cloudbursts hit Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts in Himachal Pradesh, causing extensive damage. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are actively involved in rescue operations as over 50 people are reported missing and three confirmed dead. Houses have been washed away, and roads severely damaged, leading to major disruptions and hardships for the residents.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has called an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Union Health Minister JP Nadda has assured full support to the state. Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and emphasized the government’s efforts in collaboration with the Central Disaster Response Force (CDRF), SDRF, and other agencies to provide relief.

Former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur highlighted the damage to the Malana-I hydroelectric project and stressed the focus on rescue operations. CM Sukhu confirmed that NDRF, SDRF, Home Guards, and Fire Services teams are working tirelessly on relief and rescue missions. Assistance from the army has also been requested, and local administration is conducting operations on a war footing.

Mandi Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut urged people to avoid traveling to Himachal due to the devastation caused by floods, cloudbursts, and landslides. She advised residents to stay safe at home until the situation improves and appealed for prayers for the state.

The weather department has predicted continued widespread rain in the next 24 hours, with heavy rainfall expected in districts like Kangra, Chamba, Kullu, and Mandi. Power production at the Dehar Power House has been halted due to increased silt posing risks to the machinery. In Gram Panchayat Devari, heavy rains have led to the destruction of a two-story house, but fortunately, no casualties were reported.

NDRF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mohsin Shahedi stated that 14 NDRF teams are deployed across Himachal Pradesh, addressing six major incidents, including three cloudbursts and one sudden flood. The adverse weather conditions prevented CM Sukhu from reaching Samej, where District Commissioner (DC) and Superintendent of Police (SP) Shimla have already arrived to assess the situation.