Catastrophic Landslides and Deadly Cloudbursts Ravage Himachal Pradesh, Death Toll Rises to 13 – More Destruction Feared as Heavy Rains Loom

Road Closures and Rescue Operations in Full Force

 In Himachal Pradesh, a staggering 87 roads have been shut down due to catastrophic cloudbursts, relentless flash floods, and deadly landslides triggered by torrential rain over the past week. JCB machines, along with elite teams from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, CISF, and Himachal Pradesh Police, are working tirelessly as rescue operations are in full swing, battling against the clock.

Tragic Loss of Life and Growing Number of Missing

 The death toll from devastating flash floods caused by cloudbursts in three districts of Himachal Pradesh has tragically risen to 13, with four more bodies recovered from Mandi and Shimla districts on Sunday. Official data paints a grim picture, with more than 40 individuals still missing after a series of catastrophic cloudbursts ravaged Kullu's Nirmand, Sainj, and Malana, Mandi's Padhar, and Shimla's Rampur subdivision on the fateful night of July 31.

Heroic Rescue Efforts Intensified Amid Perilous Conditions

 Amidst perilous conditions, heroic rescuers have intensified their efforts, deploying additional heavy machinery, specialized sniffer dog squads, drones, and other advanced equipment in a desperate race against time, officials informed news agency PTI.

Monsoon Mayhem: Massive Financial Loss and Unimaginable Destruction

 Since the devastating onset of the monsoon on June 27, Himachal Pradesh has endured a colossal financial loss of Rs 662 crore. The monsoon mayhem has left a path of unimaginable destruction, claiming lives and decimating infrastructure across the state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu disclosed the staggering losses, revealing extensive damage to vital infrastructure and other critical assets.

Struggling Villages Left in Darkness and Isolation

 As rescue operations press on, local villagers in Samej, Dhara Sarda, and Kushwa—situated on the vulnerable border of Shimla and Kullu—face an agonizing struggle, left without electricity and with roads obliterated since the devastating flash floods on Wednesday night. PTI reported that a valiant team of 410 rescuers from the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Himachal Pradesh Police, and home guards are relentlessly pursuing the ongoing search efforts.

State Rallies with Swift Relief and Support Amid Crisis

 In the midst of this crisis, former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, visited the beleaguered Samej village to assess the dire situation and offer solace to the disaster-stricken residents. Earlier on Friday, the state government made a swift move, announcing an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 for each victim and pledging Rs 5,000 monthly for rent for the next three months, along with essential supplies like gas, food, and other vital items.

Widespread Road Closures and Ominous Weather Alerts Signal More Trouble

 With a total of 87 roads still blocked, Himachal Pradesh is bracing for more trouble. The local meteorological department has issued an ominous yellow alert for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning, expected to hit isolated areas of the state until August 8 (Thursday). The MeT department also warns of the grim potential for further landslides, flash floods, damage to crops, vulnerable structures, and 'kutcha' houses, compounded by strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying regions.

Power and Water Supply Disrupted as Weather Wreaks Havoc

 Moreover, the relentless weather has caused significant disruptions, with 41 transformers and 66 water supply schemes knocked out of service. Since Friday evening, Hamirpur has been inundated with the highest rainfall in the state at 54 mm, followed by Berthin and Dharamshala at 19 mm each. As temperatures swing wildly, Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti experienced the coldest night at 12.1 degrees Celsius, while Una sweltered as the hottest spot during the day with a blistering 36.8 degrees Celsius.