Cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh: 53 Missing, 6 Dead, and Extensive Damage Reported
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 3: A devastating cloudburst followed by flash floods has caused widespread destruction in the Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla regions of Himachal Pradesh. According to the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), 53 people are still missing, and six bodies have been recovered as of Saturday.
Destruction in Multiple Regions
Special Secretary DC Rana of the DDMA reported that over sixty houses were washed away, and several villages have been severely affected. The cloudburst occurred in the Samej area of Shimla district, Rampur region, Baghipul area of Kullu, and Paddar area of Mandi on the night of July 31 and August 1.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are working together to rescue those stranded. Restoration efforts are ongoing in Rampur, where the floods damaged a road connecting Rampur and Samej regions.
Casualties and Damage
A report from the Himachal Pradesh State Emergency Operation Centre indicated that Mandi witnessed the most casualties with five dead, followed by Kullu with one. Shimla has reported no casualties but has the highest number of missing people at 33, followed by Kullu at nine and Mandi at six. A total of 55 people have been evacuated to relief camps, and 25 people are reported stranded. The report also stated that 61 houses were fully damaged, and 42 houses were partially damaged, with the majority of the damage occurring in Kullu.
Government Response
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri conducted an on-site assessment of the damage caused by the flash flood to the Kurpan Khad Water Supply Scheme at Baagi Pul. The Rs 315 crore project, currently under construction, has suffered extensive damage. Agnihotri directed the department to take immediate measures to restore the project.
He also visited the Matiyana region in Shimla district to assess the damage to water supply schemes and related infrastructure. The department has suffered an additional loss of Rs 10 crore due to damage to critical components. Agnihotri met with families affected by the disaster in the Baagi Pul area in Kullu district, describing the situation as “grim and painful.” He assured that the administration is working diligently to provide relief and emphasized that the government is extending all possible support to those affected.
Doubts Revealed
Cloudburst -: A cloudburst is a sudden, very heavy rainfall that can cause floods. It happens quickly and can be very dangerous.
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India. It is known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Flash floods -: Flash floods are sudden and strong floods that happen quickly after heavy rain. They can cause a lot of damage.
Kullu, Mandi, Shimla -: Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla are districts in Himachal Pradesh. They are popular for their scenic beauty and tourist spots.
Rescue teams -: Rescue teams are groups of people trained to help others during emergencies like floods or earthquakes. They save lives and provide help.
Deputy Chief Minister -: The Deputy Chief Minister is a high-ranking official in the state government. They help the Chief Minister in running the state.
Mukesh Agnihotri -: Mukesh Agnihotri is the Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. He is responsible for helping manage the state and its people.
Kurpan Khad Water Supply Scheme -: The Kurpan Khad Water Supply Scheme is a project that provides water to people in Himachal Pradesh. It was damaged in the floods.