Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Thursday that cloudbursts in the Mandi, Shimla, and Kullu districts have led to approximately 50 people being reported missing, with two fatalities confirmed.
“Cloudbursts have occurred today. Around 50 individuals are unaccounted for, and we have recovered two bodies. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, district commissioners, and other officials are on-site. We’ve directed the officials to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place. Assistance from the army has also been requested. I urge the public to stay away from canals and rivers. The Air Force is on standby. I intend to visit the area as soon as the weather permits,” stated CM Sukhu.
He also mentioned that more rainfall is anticipated in the next 36 hours and that he has been in contact with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has promised comprehensive support.
He further said, “The Union Home Minister has assured all possible help and said that 2 additional NDRF teams are being sent. BJP chief Nadda also called twice and said that Prime Minister Modi is also worried. The situation is under control, but roads and infrastructure have been damaged. Manali has lost connectivity. The relief work is being conducted on a war footing.”
Sources report that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, following heavy rains and a cloudburst, and has directed senior officials to provide all possible assistance to those affected.
Onkar Chand Sharma, the Additional Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, announced that a heavy rain alert is in effect until August 2.
“Onkar Chand Sharma stated, “A 36-hour alert was issued last evening, which will remain in place until tomorrow. The initial cloudburst incident was reported in Kullu, where seven people are missing and eleven houses have been damaged. In Mandi, the second incident was reported, resulting in one casualty and nine missing persons, with three to four houses being swept away. The third incident occurred in Shimla, where one individual lost their life and thirty-six are missing.”
The Indian Army has swiftly deployed its resources for rescue efforts. Three army columns, comprising 125 personnel, an Engineer Task Force, and a Medical Team of 20 members, are stationed at the cloudburst site in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh.