Himachal Pradesh Flash Floods: Over 30 Missing Amid Rescue Efforts

Rescuers are using drones to locate 45 missing individuals in Himachal Pradesh after flash floods struck three districts, raising the death toll to eight. The disaster has left many stranded, with ongoing relief efforts from various forces. The government has announced immediate aid and plans for long-term relief.

Rescuers have deployed drones in a massive effort to trace about 45 people still missing in flash floods across three Himachal Pradesh districts, according to officials. The death toll has risen to eight.

The floods were triggered by three cloudbursts on Wednesday night in the districts of Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla. Bodies were recovered in Mandi’s Rajban village and Kullu’s Nirmand. Around 300 people stuck near Shrikhand Mahadev in Kullu were confirmed safe, and 25 tourists in Malana are being cared for by locals, said Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena.

Officials added that personnel from the Army, National Disaster Response Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, State Disaster Response Force, police, and home guards are involved in the rescue operations, assisted by drones.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Education Minister Rohit Thakur visited Samej, located on the Shimla-Kullu border, to assess the situation. Sukhu announced immediate relief of Rs 50,000 for victims and assured monthly aids for the next three months along with other essentials.

He also highlighted that the flood damaged several primary and secondary schools, impacting schooling arrangements. The disaster also resulted in the loss of 115 houses, 23 cowsheds, 10 shops, three fish farms, motorable roads, footbridges, and vehicles. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri described the situation as 'grim and painful'.

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut expressed grief over the loss and mentioned that the Prime Minister and Home Minister have promised relief. Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur updated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the extent of the damage. Over 115 roads remain closed, and the Himachal Roads Transport Corporation has suspended bus services on about 82 routes.