Widespread Devastation in Mandi District: Landslides and Flash Floods Leave 5 Dead, 2 Missing; Rs. 10 Crore in Damages Reported.
Shimla:
Torrential rains wreaked havoc across Mandi district in the early hours today, triggering deadly landslides and flash floods that claimed five lives, left two missing, and caused massive destruction to both public and private property. The district is reeling under the impact of nature’s fury, with preliminary estimates pegging losses at over Rs. 10 crore.
Landslide Tragedy in Sundernagar: Three Dead, Two Rescued
In a tragic landslide in Bragta village under Boe Panchayat of Nihri Tehsil, Sundernagar subdivision, a residential house was completely buried under debris, trapping five members of a family. Local villagers swiftly launched a rescue operation and managed to pull out two critically injured individuals, who were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Sadly, three family members lost their lives, identified as:
- Tangu Devi (64)
- Kamla Devi (33)
- Bhisham Singh (8 months)
Sundernagar MLA Rakesh Jamwal visited the grieving family and expressed condolences. A joint rescue team comprising local residents, police, and disaster response personnel retrieved the bodies after a prolonged operation.
Flash Flood in Dharampur: Market Submerged, 70 Shops Flooded, 2 Missing
A severe flash flood struck the Dharampur market area late last night following a cloudburst in the Son Khad stream. The floodwaters inundated the main bus stand, commercial complexes, and surrounding residential areas.
Key impacts include:
- 20 HRTC buses washed away or severely damaged
- 25 private vehicles damaged
- 70 shops flooded
- Significant damage to roads, power lines, and infrastructure
Residents and shopkeepers faced major losses, with many forced to climb rooftops for safety. A hostel housing 150 students was also flooded, but all were safely moved to upper floors.
Two persons, Lekh Raj (Bemphad village) and Balbir Singh alias Deepu (Sohar village), have been reported missing in the flash flood. Search operations led by DSP Sanjeev Sood, with support from SDRF and local volunteers, are currently underway. Mandi SP Sakshi Verma confirmed that the search is ongoing.
Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri Assesses Losses, Orders Swift Action
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri visited the flood-hit Dharampur area to review the situation and assess damages. He chaired a high-level meeting with administrative and departmental officials.
Key highlights from his visit:
- Rs. 10 crore in damages reported (₹6 crore to HRTC alone)
- Bus stand, Block Development Office, Jal Shakti water schemes, and roads severely affected
- 152 shopkeepers provided immediate relief of Rs. 10,000 each
- PWD directed to restore all roads within a week
- Electricity Board instructed to fully restore power supply
- HRTC to resume transport services using unaffected buses
Drowning Incident in Sadar Tehsil: Two Dead
In a separate incident, Prem Singh and Manohar Lal, both residents of Suma village, drowned in Suma Khad under Shivabdar Panchayat. The duo was crossing a makeshift bridge to a temple site when they were swept away by gushing waters.
Schools Closed as Precaution.
As a preventive measure, all educational institutions in Dharampur and Sarkaghat subdivisions will remain closed on September 17.
Rescue and Relief Continue
Rescue operations are ongoing across affected areas. Teams from the district administration, police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local volunteers are working round the clock to restore normalcy.
As the region grapples with this calamity, both state authorities and local communities are united in their efforts to save lives, provide relief, and begin the long road to recovery.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured every possible help from the state government to them.
