Cloudbursts Unleash Chaos in Himachal: Lives Lost, Villages Submerged, and Rescue Efforts in Overdrive
Himachal Pradesh is reeling from the aftermath of multiple cloudbursts that struck late last night, unleashing torrential rains and flash floods across the Mandi district. The regions of Karsog, Gohar, and Dharampur have been hit hardest, with at least four lives lost and 16 people still missing.
In Syanj village, part of Gohar sub-division, flash floods swept away homes in the dead of night. A mother and daughter were pulled to safety, but seven family members remain unaccounted for. Nearby, in Talwara and Bara, more residents are missing, though rescue teams managed to save several, including four girls and one woman.
The destruction is widespread. In Karsog, one fatality has been confirmed, and four others are missing. Dharampur has seen homes and cowsheds reduced to rubble, with 26 cattle dead and dozens of structures damaged in villages like Triyambala and Bhadrana.
Despite blocked roads and dangerous conditions, rescue teams from NDRF, SDRF, and local police have managed to evacuate 99 people, including 11 from Mandi city. Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan is personally overseeing operations in the worst-hit areas.
A close call occurred in Sujanpur, where the Beas River swelled dangerously near Khairi village. Quick action by locals and the Jungle Beri Battalion helped rescue around 40 people, including 15 migrant workers, after floodwaters entered homes early in the morning.
Entire villages like Bagsyad and Sharan in Siraj have been buried under water and debris. Roads are blocked, homes are damaged, and access to many areas remains severely restricted.
Rainfall Records and Forecast
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued an orange alert for the entire state from July 1 to July 7, warning of continued heavy rainfall. Last night’s downpour was intense:
- Sandhol: 223.6 mm
- Mandi: 216.8 mm
- Pandoh: 215 mm
- Bijahi: 196 mm
- Karsog: 160.2 mm
- Gohar: 125 mm
- Kotkhai: 83.1 mm
More rain is expected over the next 72 hours in districts including Mandi, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, and Una.
Safety First
Authorities are urging residents to stay away from landslide-prone areas and overflowing drains. Disaster response teams remain on round-the-clock alert, and evacuations are underway in vulnerable zones.
