Himachal Pradesh Flood: The death toll due to flash floods triggered by cloudbursts in three districts of Himachal Pradesh has risen to 11, following the recovery of two more bodies from Mandi district. Over 40 people remain missing after a series of cloudbursts struck Kullu's Nirmand, Sainj, and Malana, Mandi's Padhar, and Shimla's Rampur subdivision on the night of July 31, causing widespread devastation.
The bodies of Sonam, 23, and three-month-old Manvi were recovered from Rajbhan village in the Padhar area of Mandi district, news agency PTI reported citing officials. Rescue operations are ongoing, with sniffer dogs, drones, and other equipment being utilised to locate the missing individuals. A total of 410 rescuers from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, CISF, Himachal Pradesh Police, and home guards are involved in the efforts.
In Samej village, Gram Panchayat Sarpara, Rampur subdivision, over 30 people are unaccounted for. "More machines have been deployed, and the rescue operations are in full swing. As the flow of water has reduced, machines have reached the spots where the missing persons could possibly be found," said C L Negi, Up-pradhan of Sarpara, as quoted by PTI.
The state government announced an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 for the victims and promised Rs 5,000 monthly for rent for the next three months, along with gas, food, and other essential items.
Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, the state has suffered a loss of Rs 662 crore until August 3. According to the state emergency operation centre, 79 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents.
IMD Predicts Scattered Heavy Rainfall In Himachal Till Aug 10 In Forecast For Northwest India
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday forecast fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, over Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan. Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall is predicted over Uttar Pradesh, and isolated to scattered rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi during the week.
Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is very likely over East Rajasthan on 4th August. Isolated very heavy rainfall is also likely over West Rajasthan during 4th-6th August, and Uttarakhand on 6th and 7th August. Additionally, isolated heavy rainfall is very likely over Jammu-Kashmir on 4th, 5th, and 7th August; Himachal Pradesh from 4th-10th August; Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi on 7th and 8th August; Punjab on 4th August; Uttarakhand on 4th, 5th, and 8th-10th August; West Uttar Pradesh from 6th-10th August; East Uttar Pradesh from 5th-10th August; West Rajasthan on 9th and 10th August; and East Rajasthan on 5th and 7th-10th August.
Farmers are advised to ensure proper drainage to prevent water stagnation in crop fields across North Eastern states, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat region, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Coastal Karnataka, and South Interior Karnataka.
A low to moderate flash flood risk is likely over parts of Uttarakhand, South Gujarat region, North Konkan and Goa, North Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, adjoining Vidarbha, West Madhya Pradesh, and adjoining East Rajasthan on 4th and 5th August.