Tragedy Strikes Himachal Pradesh: Cloudbursts Claim Lives, Rescue Operations Underway

Himachal Pradesh faces devastation after cloudbursts, leaving 50 feared dead. State minister declares retrieval of bodies and restoring connectivity as top priorities. Immediate aid of Rs 50,000 announced for affected families with more support to follow. Extensive rescue operations by multiple agencies are in progress.

Tragedy struck Himachal Pradesh as catastrophic cloudbursts ravaged areas including Samej, with around 50 people feared dead. State minister Vikramaditya Singh announced on Saturday that the official death toll could only be confirmed following the completion of rescue operations and official assessments.

Minister Singh emphasized the government’s urgent priorities: retrieving bodies and restoring connectivity in affected zones. He mentioned that Chief Minister Sukhu has sanctioned an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 for each affected family, with additional compensation to follow. Singh also reported ongoing support requests to the central government.

Extensive rescue efforts involve the coordinated actions of NDRF, SDRF, police, and home guards. The Indian Army is also providing crucial assistance, having already repaired a key road and constructed an improvised footbridge to facilitate rescues. The area faces severe challenges, with access routes obstructed by landslides and destruction caused by the cloudburst.