Devastating Cloudbursts and Flash Floods Hit Mandi District in Himachal Pradesh

Strategic Insights -

Widespread destruction was reported in Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh after cloudbursts and flash floods struck the area in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving behind a trail of death and devastation. The Chandigarh-Manali national highway remained blocked, trapping many tourists in their vehicles. Rescue teams, including NDRF and SDRF, were quick to respond, rescuing 233 people from the clutches of the disaster. However, the rescue efforts were hampered by the fury of the floods, which swept away 18 houses and over three dozen vehicles, leaving many stranded and injured.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 5 people died due to cloudbursts and flash floods in Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh.
  • 15 people were reported missing in the affected areas, including Karsog, Dharampur, and Thunag.
  • 233 people were rescued by NDRF and SDRF teams in a massive operation.
  • 18 houses and over 36 vehicles were swept away in the flash floods, causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure.
  • The Patikari hydroelectric power project was badly damaged, and an under-construction tunnel collapsed on the Pathankot-Mandi highway due to a massive landslide.
  • The disaster was triggered by 10 cloudbursts and three flash floods in a single day, with the worst-hit areas being Gohar, Karsog, Dharampur, and Thunag.
  • Rescue efforts were hampered by the blocked Chandigarh-Manali national highway, which remained closed till the filing of this report.

Statistics:

  • 5 people died in the disaster.
  • 233 people were rescued by NDRF and SDRF teams.
  • 15 people reported missing in the affected areas.
  • 18 houses and over 36 vehicles were swept away in the flash floods.
  • 10 cloudbursts and 3 flash floods hit Mandi district in a single day.
  • The Patikari hydroelectric power project was badly damaged.
  • An under-construction tunnel collapsed on the Pathankot-Mandi highway due to a massive landslide.

Sources:

  • Rohit Mullick, reports (no date given)
  • HP State Emergency Centre (no date given)