Himachal Pradesh Flash Floods: Rising Death Toll Amid Desperate Rescue Efforts

The death toll from flash floods triggered by cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh's districts has risen to 16, with two more bodies recovered. Rescuers are searching for 40 missing people. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticized the Congress government for inadequate response. The state reported significant losses since the monsoon's onset.

The death toll due to flash floods triggered by cloudbursts in three districts of Himachal Pradesh has increased to 16, following the recovery of two more bodies.

Authorities found the body of Khuddi Devi (46) in Rajban village, Mandi district, and an unidentified male body at Dogri near Sunni in Shimla district, officials confirmed.

Approximately 40 people remain missing after cloudbursts hit Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla on July 31, causing considerable damage.

The hardest-hit area is Samej village on the border of Shimla and Kullu, where over 30 people are missing. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, who visited after six days, accused the Congress state government of inaction towards the victims.

Many residents have lost entire families, including children. Ranaut urged the state government to provide immediate financial relief to affected families, criticizing the lack of ministerial action.

Nine bodies were recovered in Mandi, six in Shimla, and one in Kullu. DNA samples from 37 relatives of the missing have been collected.

Rescue operations involve 410 personnel from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, CISF, Himachal Pradesh Police, and home guards, with additional machinery, sniffer dogs, drones, and other equipment deployed.

Himachal Pradesh faced losses amounting to Rs 684 crore since the monsoon began on June 27, with 87 deaths in rain-related incidents, according to the state emergency operation centre.