What Happened in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi? One Dead and Nine Missing After Cloudbursts!

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- One fatality confirmed and nine missing in Mandi district.
- 41 individuals rescued by local authorities.
- Significant damage to infrastructure, including homes and a hydroelectric project.
- Emergency measures have been implemented, including school closures.
- Warnings issued for residents and tourists to avoid riverbanks.
Shimla, July 1 (NationPress) Tragically, one individual has lost their life and at least nine others are unaccounted for following a series of cloudbursts in the Karsog division of Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district, according to officials on Tuesday.
The cloudbursts led to devastating flash floods that obliterated numerous homes.
The district administration, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), has successfully rescued a total of 41 individuals.
Reports indicate that in Kuklah, 10 residences and a bridge have been washed away by the floodwaters. Additionally, the 16-MW Patikari Hydro-Electric Power Project has also been destroyed.
This run-of-the-river project is located on the Bakhli Khad, a left-bank tributary of the Beas River.
Due to the excessive influx of water, 150,000 cusecs have been released from the Pandoh Dam.
The situation escalated as the intense rainfall in the Beas upper catchment area caused a sudden surge in inflow at the Pandoh Dam.
Residents and tourists have been firmly cautioned to maintain distance from the riverbanks.
Furthermore, the 126-MW Larji Hydro Electric Project in Kullu experienced an unusual increase in water discharge.
As a precautionary measure, Mandi District Magistrate Apoorv Devgan has ordered the suspension of all educational institutions in the district on Tuesday due to the heavy rainfall.
Flash floods have continued to affect the state as torrential rains persist.
The day prior, a five-storey building collapsed in the suburbs of Shimla city; fortunately, there were no casualties as residents had evacuated.
According to reports, the state has incurred a loss of Rs 75.69 crore as of Monday due to the relentless rains over the past 10 days.
The Revenue Department has reported that the state has recorded 23 fatalities attributed to flash floods, cloudbursts, and drowning incidents between June 20 and June 30. Additionally, 259 link roads remain closed, and 614 distribution transformers along with 144 water supply schemes are disrupted across the state.