Himachal reels from 11 cloudbursts, 4 flash floods; Death toll rises to 10

The death toll from the devastating cloudbursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district has tragically climbed to 10, with the recovery of five more bodies on Wednesday. Authorities confirmed that the search is actively underway for 34 individuals who remain missing following a series of intense weather events that struck the state on Tuesday. Himachal Pradesh witnessed a total of 11 cloudburst incidents, four flash floods, and a major landslide, with Mandi district bearing the brunt of the destruction.

Cloudbursts were specifically reported at four locations in Gohar, three in Karsog, two in Dharampur, and one in Thunag within Mandi district. Among the newly recovered bodies, two were found in Siyanj, Gohar, and one each in Thunag, Dhar Jarol, and Pandeev Sheel areas. These add to the five deaths previously reported on Tuesday from Bada and Talwara (Gohar), Old Bazaar (Karsog), and Neri-Kotla (Jogindernagar). The identities of the deceased have not yet been released by officials.

The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported extensive damage across Himachal Pradesh, with 282 roads closed, 1,361 transformers disrupted, and 639 water schemes affected statewide due to the heavy rains. Mandi district alone accounts for a significant portion of this damage, with 182 roads blocked and numerous power and water supply systems impacted. Additionally, 24 houses, 12 cattle sheds, one bridge, and several roads have been damaged, and 30 cattle have perished. Despite the grim situation, rescue teams, including two teams each from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with police and home guards, have successfully rescued 370 people, including 316 in Mandi, though 11 individuals are still reported stranded. Light to moderate rainfall continues in various parts of the state, and the Met Office has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rains in isolated areas from Friday to Sunday, urging continued vigilance.