Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods in Mandi; 5 Dead, 15 Missing, 132 Rescued Amid Ongoing Relief Operations.
Shimla:
A devastating cloudburst followed by heavy rainfall and landslides struck various parts of Mandi district late Monday night, leading to widespread destruction and tragic loss of life. District authorities confirmed the death of five individuals and reported 15 others missing, while 132 people were safely rescued and shifted to relief shelters.
As the natural disaster unfolded, the district administration swung into action immediately. Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, Apoorv Devgan, led the emergency response, coordinating with all relevant departments and agencies to conduct relief and rescue operations.
Flash floods and landslides were reported from multiple areas, including Gohar, Karsog, and Dharampur subdivisions. Heavy rainfall and waterlogging were also recorded in Mandi Sadar, while flash floods struck Balichowki and Thunag regions. Rescue teams were deployed to the affected locations as soon as alerts were received.
Deputy Commissioner Devgan personally visited several affected sites to oversee the operations. He confirmed that 132 stranded individuals were safely evacuated to secure locations and temporary shelters. In Mandi town, people trapped due to flooding were shifted to shelters set up at Vipasha Sadan and the local Gurudwara.
Several travellers were trapped near Tunnel No. 11 and 13 on the Mandi-Manali National Highway due to landslides. These individuals were successfully rescued, and the administration provided essential supplies, including bread, biscuits, and drinking water, late into the night with the help of Seva volunteers.
As of Tuesday evening, five deaths have been officially confirmed. Search and rescue efforts remain underway to trace the 15 missing persons. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was deployed in Siyanj under Gohar subdivision, one of the worst-affected areas. Additional teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were also dispatched to Thunag, Karsog, and Dharampur regions to support the rescue efforts.
The district administration also reported significant property and livestock damage. A total of 24 houses and 12 cowsheds were damaged, while 30 cattle perished in the flash floods and landslides.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the administration continues to carry out rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations across all affected subdivisions. Authorities have urged residents to stay vigilant and avoid travel in vulnerable areas until further notice.
