Cloudburst Ravages Himachal Pradesh: 19 Missing in Shimla District, Major Damages Reported

A devastating cloudburst in the Samej Khad area of Shimla district left 19 people missing. Immediate rescue operations have been initiated by the district administration with the help of NDRF, SDRF, and ITBP teams. The Union Health Minister and BJP leaders have pledged all possible support for relief efforts.

As many as 19 people were reported missing following a catastrophic cloudburst in Shimla's Samej Khad area, according to Deputy Commissioner of Shimla district administration Anupam Kashyap. The District Disaster Management Authority received the information early Thursday morning, indicating the cloudburst occurred near a hydropower project in Samej Khad in Jhakri, Rampur.

Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi rushed to the incident site. Kashyap confirmed that NDRF, SDRF, police, and rescue teams were immediately dispatched. Relief work commenced without delay, with ITBP and the Special Home Guard contingent joining the operations. Essential facilities, including ambulances, were swiftly provided.

Meanwhile, officials reported that more people might be missing on the other side of Samej Khad in Kullu district. Union Health Minister and BJP President JP Nadda has mobilized BJP cadres for rescue and relief efforts. Nadda assured Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhwinder Sukhu of full support from the central government. BJP leaders, including Jairam Thakur, have expressed their condolences and called for expedited relief operations.

Additionally, a cloudburst in Thaltukhod, Padhar subdivision of Mandi, resulted in one death and nine people missing. Houses have been damaged, and Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorv Devgan, confirmed the district administration and NDRF team have been deployed to the site.

(With inputs from agencies.)