Mandi, Himachal Pradesh Devastated by Cloudbursts and Flash Floods: 10 Dead, 34 Missing as Rescue Efforts Intensify

A series of relentless cloudbursts and subsequent flash floods have unleashed widespread devastation across Himachal Pradesh‘s Mandi district, leaving at least 10 people dead and a staggering 34 individuals missing. The region has borne the brunt of the monsoon fury over the past 32 hours, with rescue operations underway amidst challenging conditions.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), Mandi has emerged as the “epicenter” of this monsoon disaster. Official figures released on July 2 indicate that the state has witnessed 16 cloudbursts and three flash floods, predominantly concentrated in the Thunag, Karsog, and Gohar subdivisions of Mandi. The torrential downpours have caused extensive property damage, washed away homes, and disrupted critical infrastructure.

Among the worst-hit areas is Siyanj in Gohar subdivision, where two houses were completely swept away, resulting in nine people going missing. So far, two bodies have been recovered from this location. In Thunag, Karsog, another cloudburst claimed two lives and left two others missing, though seven individuals were successfully evacuated to safety. Other areas like Thunag, Pakrair, and Old Bazaar Karsog have also reported fatalities and numerous missing persons.

The scale of the destruction is immense. Reports confirm damage to at least 24 houses, 12 cowsheds, and a bridge. Road connectivity has been severely impacted, with the National Highway-305 blocked at multiple points, and around 248 roads closed within Mandi district alone. Power supply has also been severely disrupted, with 994 transformers affected.

In response to the escalating crisis, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to the affected regions of Karsog, Gohar, and Thunag. These dedicated teams are working round the clock on search and rescue operations, battling the incessant rains and challenging terrain. As of now, over 370 people have been rescued or evacuated across Himachal Pradesh, with 316 of those rescues occurring in Mandi district alone.

Relief efforts are in full swing, with emergency shelters established and essential supplies such as tents, blankets, and food being distributed to the displaced. In Dharampur’s Triyambla village, 17 families have received aid after losing livestock and property.

The meteorological department has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall across the hill state, urging residents in high-risk zones to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation instructions issued by local authorities. Authorities are closely monitoring rainfall and river levels, particularly in vulnerable areas like Jyuni Khad, which is currently flowing above the danger mark, raising concerns about further flooding.

The increasing frequency of cloudburst incidents in recent years has become a growing concern for the state, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies in the fragile Himalayan region.