Rescue Efforts Intensify in Himachal Pradesh Amid Catastrophic Cloudbursts

Rescuers in Himachal Pradesh are striving to recover victims after devastating cloudbursts in Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi districts left many missing. Over 30 people in Samej village are unaccounted for. Both chief minister and opposition leader have visited affected areas, announcing immediate relief measures for survivors.

Rescuers in Himachal Pradesh are doubling their efforts to recover victims, including blasting a boulder to free a trapped individual in Rajban village, Mandi district. The desperate search continues for 45 people missing after severe cloudbursts in Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi. Teams comprising 410 rescuers from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, CISF, Himachal Pradesh Police, and home guards are utilizing drones and other equipment to locate missing persons.

The situation worsens as time passes, with over 30 individuals unaccounted for in Samej village under Shimla’s Rampur subdivision. 'The chance of finding survivors is decreasing, but we hope to recover the bodies soon to avoid decomposition,' said Gram Pradhan Mohan Lal Kaptiya. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has pledged immediate relief, including financial aid and essential supplies for the next three months.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur visited affected families in Kullu’s Sainj area, urging the administration to expedite relief efforts. Recent data show that the disaster has destroyed 115 houses, 23 cowsheds, 10 shops, and three fish farms. Approximately 300 people stranded around Shrikhand Mahadev in Kullu and 25 tourists in Malana are reported safe.