Cloudburst in Himachal: 3 Dead and Over 50 Missing
Shimla, July 31 A devastating cloudburst hit districts of Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, leaving three people dead and more than 50 missing, according to the latest reports. This has triggered urgent rescue operations by local authorities and emergency services trying to locate all those missing in the disaster.
Situation Overview
Well, till now, 36 people are reported missing in Samej area of Shimla district, and eight in Tikken area of Mandi district are also untraceable. Two bodies have been retrieved from the landslide affected areas, and one person has been injured. The situation has deteriorated in Kullu district with the breach of a barrage of the power project in Malana, and it has further stranded people besides breaking the road connectivity. The local infrastructure has also come under suffering, and several bridges have been reported to be affected.
Reaction of Chief Minister
Sukhwinder Singh Sukkhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, expresses his deep concern regarding the tragic incidents caused by cloudburst. He called an emergency meeting to take stock of the situation and ensure rescue and relief operations are the priority. He stated, “Very sad information has been received that more than 50 people are missing owing to a cloudburst in Rampur tehsil of Shimla, Padhar tehsil of Mandi district, and Jaon, Nirmand villages of Kullu.”.
He said the teams of National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force along with local police, home guards and fire services are involved in the search and rescue operations. “The local administration has been instructed to carry out relief and rescue operations smoothly. I am in touch with the officials and monitoring the relief and rescue operations.
Challenges Presented to Rescue Teams
Adverse weather conditions and damaged infrastructure are posing significant challenges to rescue operations. Most of the roads in the affected areas remain closed at present, and the emergency response teams are finding it difficult to reach people in need of help. The cloudburst has caused flash floods and landslides, escalating the dangers for both the missing people and the rescue teams.
The rescue effort has been hampered by rubble blocking the roads and the risk of further landslides, which could engulf both the victims and the rescue workers. Teams are rendering their undying efforts to regain access and attend to victims as the situation unfolds.
Community Support and Volunteer Efforts
Communities from the surrounding areas have risen to volunteer in efforts for search and rescue operations. Civilians are mobilizing together with official rescuers, and supplies are available for those disaster victims. Food, water, and medical supplies are needed desperately to help disaster victims and others who respond to their aid.
Government Aid and Relief Efforts
The state government keeps all avenues open so that losses to lives and properties in the disaster can be mitigated. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukkhu said the government is fully engaged in relief operations and coordination with local administrations for assessing damages and identifying people who require relief.
Meanwhile, following up on the tragedy, officials are also highlighting the need to be prepared for any such disaster. In view of frequent weather extremities nowadays, deliberations are being done related to better infrastructure and mechanisms of disaster preparedness to safeguard vulnerable communities from such disasters in the future.
Conclusion
The cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh has resulted in tragic loss and widespread concern for the safety of those missing. Rescue operations of many underway still keep the hopes alive for many more to be safe. The strength of the people in the locality and prompt response by the emergency services will overcome this disaster. Situation is fluid, updates to continue as information becomes available re: rescue operations and condition of affected people.
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