Himachal cloudbursts: Drones, sniffer dogs deployed for rescue operations
What's the story
Flash floods caused by cloudbursts in three districts of Himachal Pradesh have resulted in at least 13 fatalities. The death toll was updated after the recovery of four bodies, including a three-month-old infant, from Mandi and Shimla districts on Sunday. The cloudbursts occurred in Kullu's Nirmand, Sainj, and Malana; Mandi's Padhar; and Shimla's Rampur subdivision on the night of July 31. Currently, over 40 people are still unaccounted for following the disaster.
Search efforts
Rescue operations intensify
A massive rescue operation involving 410 personnel from the Army, the National Disaster Response Force, the State Disaster Response Force, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the Central Industrial Security Force, the Himachal Pradesh Police, and home guards is currently underway. The search efforts have been amplified with the deployment of additional machinery, sniffer dog squads, drones and other equipment. According to NDRF Commanding Officer Karam Singh, various equipment and sensors are being utilized to locate victims buried or trapped under debris.
Area impact
Worst-hit areas remain without electricity
The most severely affected areas include three villages—Samej, Dhara Sarda and Kushwa—located on the border of Shimla and Kullu. These villages have been without electricity since the disaster struck. In Samej village alone, over 30 people are reported missing. Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur visited Samej to assess the situation and meet with those affected by the disaster.
Aid response
State government announces immediate relief for victims
The state government has announced an immediate relief of ₹50,000 for the victims of the cloudbursts. In addition to this immediate aid, victims will receive ₹5,000 monthly for rent over the next three months. The government will also provide gas, food and other essential items to those affected by the disaster.
Damage assessment
Significant property damage reported
The cloudbursts have caused extensive damage to property. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reported that 115 houses, 23 cowsheds, 10 shops and three fish farms have been destroyed in the disaster. Infrastructure such as motorable roads, footbridges and vehicles were also severely affected. Since the onset of monsoon on June 27 till August 4, the hill state has suffered a loss of ₹662 crore with 85 people losing their lives in rain-related incidents during this period.