13 individuals have died as a result of the flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides that have resulted from the heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh. Over 87 roads are shut down due to adverse weather conditions, and post-natural disasters are still being managed by state administrations.
Flash floods have severely impacted Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts. Four more dead bodies have been pulled out of Mandi and Shimla districts by rescue teams, bringing the total number of deaths registered so far to seven. Cloudbursts were reported in the Padhar area of Mandi, the Rampur sector of Shimla, as well as Nirmand, Sainj, and Malana areas of Kullu. Over 40 people are still unaccounted for.
For more vigorous rescue activity, aerial drones, tracking dog troops, JCB construction vehicles, and different tools have all been put into service. Army, CISF, Himachal Pradesh cops, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF, and local guards are relentlessly operating to locate and offer assistance to those who suffer from the impacts.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister, disclosed that the state has faced a loss of approximately 662 crores since June 27, when the monsoon commenced. This has included serious damage to the infrastructure and other properties. The government has announced immediate relief measures, including Rs 50,000 for each victim and Rs 5,000 monthly rent assistance for the next three months, along with provisions for gas, food, and other essential items.
The situation in some villages remains dire. Following the flash floods, residents in Samej, Dhara Sarda, and Kushwa—which are on the borders of Shimla and Kullu—have complained about damaged roads and a shortage of electricity.
Till August 8, there is a yellow alert in effect for Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in some areas. More landslides and flash floods are more likely, and there might be damage to plantations, standing crops, flimsy buildings, and low-lying regions from waterlogging.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur visited Samej village to examine the situation and speak with the villagers impacted by the calamity. 400 workers from different agencies have contributed to the rescue efforts, working nonstop to provide aid to those in need.
The weather is still problematic; Hamirpur has seen the most rainfall (54 mm), followed by Berthin and Dharamshala (19 mm apiece). Una reported the maximum daytime temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius, while Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest nighttime temperature of 12.1 degrees Celsius.
The focus is still on rescue operations and helping the affected people as Himachal Pradesh gets ready for further rain, and officials are keeping a careful eye on the situation to save more casualties and damage.
