SHIMLA, August 1: A series of devastating cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh has resulted in three fatalities and approximately 50 people reported missing. The severe weather has obliterated homes, bridges, and roads across several districts, according to state officials.
The cloudbursts struck in multiple regions, including Nirmand, Sainj, and Malana in Kullu, Padhar in Mandi, and Rampur in Shimla districts. In the Rampur subdivision of Shimla district, a cloudburst at Samej Khud (nallah) led to the death of two individuals and left 28 others unaccounted for, as confirmed by Shimla’s Superintendent of Police (SP), Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi.
Rescue efforts are proving to be extremely difficult due to extensive damage to roads, as noted by Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Shimla, Anupam Kashyap. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police, local police, and home guards, are on-site, supported by drones to locate those missing. Two individuals have been rescued from the area.
Another cloudburst on Wednesday night in Rajban, near Terang in the Padhar subdivision of Mandi district, resulted in one death and nine people missing. Two houses were swept away and another was damaged in this incident.
In Kullu district, a cloudburst left seven people missing and approximately eight to nine homes destroyed in the Bhagipul area of Nirmand block. Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, Torul S Raveesh, reported that CISF and a special Home Guard quick response team have been deployed to search for the missing persons.
The Shimla district has also been heavily impacted, with a breach reported in the Malana Dam, though the situation is currently under control. Some residents are trapped in the Malana I hydropower project but are safe in underground facilities. The NDRF and Home Guard teams are working to rescue them. Additionally, the Manali-Chandigarh National Highway has been breached in multiple locations due to landslides and flooding from the River Beas. Consequently, all educational institutions in the district are closed for the next two days.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reached out to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to assess the situation and has promised full support from the central government. Following an emergency meeting, Sukhu reported significant damage across Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi districts, with about 50 people missing and Manali cut off by road.
Union Minister J P Nadda has requested a detailed report from Sukhu and assured that additional NDRF teams will be deployed. Nadda also expressed his condolences for the tragic losses and urged BJP leaders to assist in relief efforts. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have also expressed their sympathies and called on party workers to support the affected communities.
State Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi highlighted the extensive damage caused by the rains and cloudbursts, including the destruction of four motorable bridges and footbridges. Rescue operations are ongoing, and significant losses have been reported, including damage to the apple crop. Several roads, including Shimla-Junga, have been blocked by landslides, and there have been reports of vehicles buried in debris in Rajnagar, Churah assembly constituency in Chamba, and road closures in Hamirpur district.
Heavy rain has been persistent in Himachal Pradesh since Wednesday evening, with Palampur recording the highest rainfall at 212 mm, followed by Chauri at 203 mm. An orange alert for heavy rain has been issued for Kangra, Chamba, Kullu, and Mandi districts, with the wet conditions expected to continue for the next four to five days.
As of the latest data, rain-related incidents have claimed 65 lives since the monsoon began on June 27, with damages amounting to Rs 433 crore, according to the state’s Emergency Operation Centre.
The situation in Himachal Pradesh remains critical as rescue and relief operations continue. Residents are urged to stay updated through official channels and offer support to the affected communities. For further more information visit our website Birdseyenews.com
