At least three people were killed, while 40 people are reported missing after a cloudburst struck the Jhakhari area of the Rampur subdivision in Shimla district early Thursday, officials said. The severe weather event has also caused widespread destruction, including the washing away of roads and damage to a hydropower project.
Teams of the National Disaster Response Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, police, and home guards have begun rescue operations. Drones are also being used to locate missing people.
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The District Disaster Management Authority received information early Thursday about a cloudburst near the Samej Khad hydropower project in Jhakri, Rampur. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said the NDRF, SDRF, police, and rescue teams immediately left for the site.
Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said relief work began immediately. He mentioned that the ITBP and the Special Home Guard contingent are part of the rescue team. He added that all teams are working together on the rescue operations and that basic facilities, including ambulances, are available, ANI reported.
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Officials said more people might be missing on the other side of Samej Khad in Kullu district. Union Health Minister and BJP President JP Nadda has asked all BJP members to help with the rescue and relief efforts for those affected by the cloudburst.
The Health Minister’s office announced that Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has offered assistance from the central government to Himachal Pradesh following the devastating cloudburst that caused significant losses and disruptions. Nadda spoke with the state’s Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu and directed BJP workers to engage in relief efforts, also reaching out to former CM Jairam Thakur, the Leader of Opposition, and the BJP State President.
In his statement, LoP Jairam Thakur said “I am saddened to hear the news of the loss of life and property in Rajman village near Thaltukhod in Mandi district due to heavy rains last night and many buildings and houses being washed away and many people going missing in Samej, Bagipul areas under Nirmand. I stand with the affected families in this hour of grief. I also request the State Government to ensure relief and rescue operations on a war footing at the sites of devastation caused by heavy rains in the entire State last night.”
In another incident of a cloudburst reported in Thaltukhod, Padhar subdivision of Mandi, one body was recovered while nine people went missing. The district administration and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team have rushed to the scene to provide assistance, according to Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan.
