CM Sukhu Visits Disaster-Hit Dharampur, Assures Full Support and Special Relief Package for Affected Families.
Over 60 families impacted, 10 dead, and 34 missing across Mandi district; Government promises comprehensive relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Shimla:
In the wake of unprecedented cloudbursts and torrential rains that wreaked havoc across various parts of Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday visited the severely affected Syathi village under Laungani Panchayat in Dharampur constituency to meet families impacted by the disaster. The Chief Minister interacted with the victims, listened to their grievances, reviewed ongoing relief measures, and assured the full support of the state government for rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.
The devastating cloudburst affected at least 61 residents of Syathi, destroying homes, cowsheds, and claiming livestock. The Chief Minister stated that the government is committed to helping every affected family rebuild their lives. “We stand with the people in this difficult hour. Immediate assistance, including Rs 1.70 lakh in financial aid, ration, tarpaulins, and other materials, has already been provided by the district administration,” he said.
During his visit, CM Sukhu assured the villagers that a special relief package would be rolled out to rebuild damaged homes. He also announced enhanced compensation for loss of livestock—such as cows, goats, and sheep—and destruction of cowsheds. The CM directed the administration to ensure that the best possible arrangements are made for the displaced.
Recounting their trauma, villagers shared harrowing tales of the night their homes were swept away, with no safe land even to pitch a tent. “We barely escaped with our lives,” said a survivor. Responding to their plight, the Chief Minister stated, “If there is available government land nearby, it will be allotted to those who have lost their homes. If the available land falls under forest area, the matter will be pursued with the Union Government.”
CM Sukhu also inspected the damage to the Mandi-Kotli road and highlighted the need for an in-depth geological study to understand why landslides are occurring even in areas with solid strata. “Never before have we seen 8–10 cloudbursts in a single night,” he added, urging both Central and State Governments to jointly investigate the underlying causes of such extreme weather events.
Casualties and Wider Impact in Mandi District
According to official data, 10 people have lost their lives in the Mandi district, while 34 remain missing following the cloudbursts and landslides. The fatalities include five deaths in Gohar sub-division, three in Thunag, and one each in Jogindernagar and Karsog. Identification of the deceased is underway.
The CM acknowledged that the Thunag, Janjehli, and Bagsiad areas have also suffered extensive damage. Essential services and road connectivity are being restored on a war footing by the administration.
Aerial Survey and Relief Distribution
CM Sukhu also conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas in Thunag and Janjehli and distributed relief material to victims. Due to blocked roads, the Chief Minister landed at Rain-Gallu helipad in Thunag via an Army chopper, accompanied by relief teams. He instructed the administration to continue air-dropping aid into inaccessible areas.
The administration has prepared 1,000 relief kits containing rice, flour, pulses, and other necessities. On Wednesday alone, 172 kits were distributed — 90 at Rain Gallu and 82 in Janjehli.
To restore communications in the cut-off Thunag subdivision, a V-SAT communication portal and police personnel were airlifted. Relief camps have been established in various locations, including one at the Government Primary School in Thunag, where over 200 people are currently sheltered and being provided food, medicine, and other essentials.
Leaders Respond to Crisis
MLA Dharampur Chander Shekhar expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his swift visit and timely intervention. “The presence of the CM brought emotional strength to the people during this dark time,” he said.
Chairman of Kangra Central Cooperative Bank Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Congress leader Pawan Thakur, Deputy Commissioner Mandi Apoorv Devgan, Superintendent of Police Mandi, and other senior officials were present during the visit.
The Chief Minister also inspected Paadchhu Bridge in Dharampur, where water accumulation had created a temporary lake, causing damage to a nearby temple and cremation ground. Local MLA Chander Shekhar briefed him about the situation and the ongoing restoration efforts.
As the state grapples with the fallout of one of the most severe monsoon-related disasters in recent years, the Chief Minister has reaffirmed the government’s resolve to ensure every affected family receives timely support, and that long-term measures are taken to reduce future disaster risks.
