Cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh: Over 50 Missing, Rescue Operations Underway
More than 50 people are reported missing in the districts of Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh due to cloudbursts. The incidents have caused significant damage, with houses being washed away and roads closed.
Rescue Operations
Himachal Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu stated that teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Police, Home Guard, and Fire Services are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations. The local administration has been instructed to ensure smooth operations.
Statements from Officials
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi reported that 36 people are missing in the Samej area of Shimla and 8 in the Tikken area of Mandi. Two bodies have been recovered, and one person is injured. The power project barrage in Malana, Kullu, has been breached, stranding people and closing road connectivity.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda and BJP President JP Nadda have assured all possible help from the central government. BJP workers have been directed to engage in relief work.
Warnings and Precautions
The Mandi district administration has warned residents to stay away from the Beas River as the gates of the Pandoh Dam are being opened due to increased water levels.
Doubts Revealed
Cloudbursts -: A cloudburst is a sudden, very heavy rainfall that can cause floods and landslides. It happens when a lot of rain falls in a short period of time.
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Shimla, Mandi, Kullu -: These are districts in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is the capital city, Mandi and Kullu are other important areas.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in a state in India. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu is the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
Revenue Minister -: The Revenue Minister is responsible for managing the state’s finances and resources. Jagat Singh Negi is the Revenue Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
NDRF -: NDRF stands for National Disaster Response Force. They help during natural disasters like floods and earthquakes.
SDRF -: SDRF stands for State Disaster Response Force. They are similar to NDRF but work at the state level.
Home Guard -: Home Guard is a volunteer force that helps the police and other agencies during emergencies.
Fire Services -: Fire Services are teams that help put out fires and rescue people during emergencies.
Union Health Minister -: The Union Health Minister is responsible for health policies and programs in the entire country. JP Nadda is the Union Health Minister.
BJP President -: The BJP President is the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, a major political party in India. JP Nadda is also the BJP President.
Beas River -: The Beas River is a river that flows through Himachal Pradesh. It can become dangerous when water levels rise.