Shimla: A devastating cloudburst struck the Samej Khad area in the Rampur subdivision of Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, this morning. The impact has been severe, with one person confirmed dead and 36 others reported missing. Here are the key points:
- Samej Khad Cloudburst:
- Missing Persons: Around 36 people are unaccounted for after the cloudburst hit Samej Khad. Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other agencies dispatched to the affected site.
- Infrastructure Damage: Roads have been washed away, and a hydroelectric project in the area has suffered significant damage.
- Search Efforts: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police, regular police, and Home Guard are actively involved in search and rescue efforts. Drones are also being deployed to locate missing individuals.
- Other Affected Areas:
- Nirmand Block, Kullu: Cloudbursts have also been reported in the Nirmand block of Kullu district and Malana in Kullu and Mandi districts. These incidents have caused heavy destruction, damaging houses, schools, and hospitals.
- Rescue and Relief: While more than 50 people remain missing, there is some hope. Reports indicate that 35 individuals have been rescued safely.
- Government Response:
- Union Minister JP Nadda’s Assurance: Union Health Minister and BJP President JP Nadda has assured all possible help from the central government. He spoke with Himachal Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts.
- School Closures: In Mandi district, all schools and educational institutions have been closed due to the cloudburst.
The monsoon season, which began on June 27, has already claimed 65 lives in rain-related incidents across Himachal Pradesh. Lahaul Spiti district recorded the most deficient rainfall during this period.
Our thoughts are with the affected families, and emergency teams continue their tireless efforts to locate the missing individuals.
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