Cloudbursts & flash floods devastate Mandi district; 10 dead, 15 missing—Rescue operations continue

One night of incessant torrential rains has set the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh in disarray due to the impact of several cloudbursts and flash floods. The tragedy has already taken ten lives, with fifteen persons remaining missing as search and rescue operations go on at full speed to try to find survivors and establish basic services.

Overnight disaster

Deaths and missing

• Five dead bodies have been found in different areas of the district, such as the old market zone in Karsog, Bada village (Gohar subdivision), Talwara village, and Neri Kotla (Jogindernagar subdivision).
• Nine of the missing are from Siyanj panchayat, where two houses were destroyed in a cloudburst. Two individuals were swept away in Talwara village, while four are missing in Karsog's old market area.

Evacuations and rescue

• 132 individuals have been evacuated from flood-hit areas.
• NDRF-led rescue operations are still being carried out despite difficult conditions.

Widespread damage and disruption

Houses and livestock

•     24 houses and 12 cowsheds were destroyed throughout the district.
•     30 cattle have died as floodwaters swept through villages during the night.

Infrastructure hit

• The 16 MW Patikari hydropower project has been hugely affected, resulting in extensive electricity outages.
•     Motorways such as Kiratpur-Manali have been blockaded, leaving hundreds of tourists and locals stranded.
•     The Jhalogi Tunnel region has been brought to a standstill by landslides, snapping Mandi-Kullu connectivity.

Communication and power

• Telecommunications networks are out in the hardest-hit regions, inhibiting rescue operations and rendering many residents unable to call loved ones.
•     Power outages have been reported across multiple flood-stricken areas.

What lies ahead: weather and recovery

Meteorological authorities caution that the area is still at risk from more heavy rain in the next few days, posing threats of more landslides and flash flooding. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and heed official warnings.

Rescue operations

• Restoration of road links for relief and rescue
• Restoration of communication and electricity supply
• Shelter and assistance to affected families

The human toll

While the district struggles with the destruction, tales of suffering and resilience come to light. Hundreds are still marooned, and the destruction is still being tallied. The next few days will be pivotal to continued rescue missions and recovery in the region, with weather authorities monitoring developments closely.

Keep checking for updates as the situation evolves.