Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a devastating series of events, Himachal Pradesh has been hit by severe cloudbursts, resulting in the deaths of five people and leaving around 50 missing. The heavy rainfall caused significant flooding and a breach at the Malana hydel project in Kullu district, creating chaos and destruction across several regions.
The Malana 1 project’s barrage was overwhelmed by the deluge, leading to its breach. Kullu Deputy Commissioner (DC) Torul S Raveesh confirmed the breach but assured that water levels have since receded and the situation is now under control.
Despite prior assurances from the Himachal government about preparedness for monsoon-triggered disasters, the early warning systems at dams across the state had not been fully implemented. This lack of readiness contributed to the extensive damage when the dam overflowed, sending torrents of water downstream and wreaking havoc in the valley.
Initially, there were reports of individuals trapped in the underground buildings of the Malana I project. However, the DC confirmed their safety and stated that rescue efforts by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and home guard teams are ongoing. An NDRF team successfully rescued around 20 people stranded in Jari, a village located downstream from Malana, after an extended operation.
Eyewitness Siddharth Thakur, a resident of Manikaran, described the terrifying scene: “The water was gushing downstream, and you could see the river basin widening. Water reached and entered houses near the riverbanks in Baladhi village, and homestays were damaged in the Parvati Valley as well.”
Nirmand and Rampur Among Worst-Hit
The state emergency operation centre reported cloudbursts in Nirmand and Sainj areas in Kullu, Padhar in Mandi, and Rampur in Shimla districts. Multiple homes, bridges, and roads were washed away in these locations. Nirmand, a hamlet on the border of Kullu and Shimla districts, was particularly hard hit, with an old and new PWD bridge and several homes destroyed. Seven people were reported missing.
In the Rampur subdivision of Shimla district, a cloudburst at Samej Khud (nallah) resulted in heavy flooding. Shimla Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi confirmed that two people have died, and around 30 remain missing. Rescue operations are challenging due to washed-away roads, but teams from NDRF, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, police, and home guards, aided by drones, are actively searching for the missing.
Tragic Losses in Mandi
In another incident, a cloudburst in Rajban village near Terang in Mandi district claimed three lives and left nine missing. The deceased were identified as Chandi Devi (75), Chaitri Devi (90), and Baijru Ram (80). Mandi police, along with local administration, are working tirelessly on rescue operations.
Restoration Efforts on Manali-Chandigarh Highway
The Manali-Chandigarh National Highway, which had been blocked due to landslides and flooding from the Beas river, has been reopened for one-way traffic between Kullu and Mandi after repair work.
Government’s Response
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed solidarity with the affected people, stating that the government is in constant communication with the Centre to expedite relief efforts. He urged residents to take precautionary measures and avoid going near rivers and rivulets during this critical time.
