15 Dead, 30 Missing As Cloudburst, Landslides Worsen Crisis In Himachal's Mandi

Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh faces a critical situation after cloudbursts and landslides. At least 15 are dead, 30 missing, and 370 rescued.

The Deputy Commissioner has requested air support for supplies as rescue operations continue amidst widespread disruption.

Source : PTI

The situation in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district has turned critical following a series of cloudbursts and landslides. At least 15 people have lost their lives so far, with four more bodies recovered in the Saraj region on Wednesday morning. As many as 30 individuals remain missing.

The devastation began late Monday night and continued into Tuesday, causing extensive damage across the district. The Saraj sub-division has been completely cut off, with roads and bridges washed away, making it nearly impossible to transport essential supplies such as medicines and food.

In response, Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan has formally requested assistance from the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force to airlift rations, medical aid and other critical supplies to the affected areas. Saraj and Karsog are reportedly the worst hit, with both regions suffering major losses due to the cloudbursts, according to local media reports.

370 People Rescued So Far

Rescue teams have evacuated 370 people to safety. The disaster has damaged 24 houses, 12 cow shelters, and one bridge. Additionally, at least 30 cattle have perished. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the NDRF, SDRF, and local emergency teams.

Saraj Region Faces Complete Disruption

Conditions in Saraj are especially dire. Roads, electricity, water supply, and communication services have all been severely disrupted. In the Thunag sub-division, the condition of the roads has deteriorated to such an extent that relief supplies cannot reach many areas.

Apart from Saraj, movement in regions such as Syanj and Dharampur has also come to a halt, making it extremely difficult to deliver food and essential items. Saraj remains completely cut off from the rest of the Mandi district. On Tuesday, even the deputy commissioner had to turn back from Bagsyad as the road was only accessible up to that point.