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Shimla: Officials are conducting search and rescue operations following the recent heavy rains in Shimla (PTI Photo)
On the evening of July 31, a series of heavy rains hit Nirmand, Saini and Malana in Kullu, Padar in Mandi and Rampur division in Shimla, causing serious damage. More than 40 people are still injured. Missing.
The death toll from flash floods triggered by heavy rains in three districts of Himachal Pradesh rose to 13 as four bodies were recovered from Mandi and Shimla districts on Sunday.
On the evening of July 31, a series of heavy rains lashed Nirmand, Sainj and Malana in Kullu, Padhar in Mandi and Rampur divisions in Shimla, causing widespread destruction and more than 40 people are still missing.
Officials reported that the bodies of Sonam (23) and three-month-old Manvi were found in Rajbhan village in Padar area of Mandi district.
Later in the evening, two more bodies were found near Dakoli on the banks of Satluj river in Rampur. Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi told news agency PTI that they have not yet been identified.
Rescue work stepped up
Rescuers deployed more machinery, sniffer dogs, drones and other equipment to increase their search efforts, officials said.
While rescue operations are still underway, locals claim that three villages of Samej, Dhara Sarda and Kushwa on the Shimla-Kullu border have been without power since the tragedy.
#watch | Rampur, Himachal Pradesh: Rescue operations are underway in Samej village of Rampur after heavy rains on August 1 killed at least six people. pic.twitter.com/pMnoXnvHMh— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2024
According to officials, 410 rescue personnel from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, CISF, Himachal Pradesh Police and Home Guards were involved in the search.
Four more JCB machines have been deployed and rescue operations are underway. Up-pradhan Sarpara CL Negi said that due to reduced water flow, machines have now reached locations where the missing persons may be found.
More than 30 people in one village disappeared
More than 30 people are missing from Samej village in Gram panchayat Sarpara of Rampur division.
Villager Megva Devi said three villages were without lights and roads were damaged since flash floods occurred on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur came to Sameji village today to understand the disaster situation and meet the affected people.
Government announces relief
The state government on Friday announced an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 to the victims and said it would provide them with rent of Rs 5,000 per month along with gas, food and other essentials for the next three months.
The hill state has suffered losses of Rs 662 crore from the onset of monsoon on June 27 to August 4.
(Inputs from PTI)
