Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh: 5 Dead, 34 Missing as Search Operations Continue

Tragedy struck Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district once again, as a sudden cloudburst unleashed devastating flash floods late Tuesday night. The deluge swept away homes, vehicles, and people, leaving at least five dead and 34 others missing as of Wednesday afternoon. Rescue operations are underway, with local authorities and disaster response teams racing against time to locate the missing and provide relief to affected families.

The Incident: A Night of Chaos

According to local officials, the cloudburst occurred around midnight in the Gohar and Sadar subdivisions of Mandi district. Within minutes, torrents of water and debris surged through villages, inundating houses and washing away everything in their path. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as residents scrambled to higher ground, many barely escaping with their lives.

Several houses collapsed under the force of the floodwaters, while roads and bridges were damaged, cutting off access to remote areas. “It was pitch dark and the water came in with such force that we had no time to react,” said Rajesh Kumar, a survivor from Gohar. “People were shouting for help, but the noise of the water was deafening.”

Casualties and Missing Persons

District officials have confirmed the recovery of five bodies so far, including two children and an elderly woman. The identities of the deceased are being verified, and their families have been notified. Meanwhile, over 34 people remain unaccounted for, most of them believed to have been swept away while sleeping or attempting to flee their homes.

Among the missing are several tourists who were staying at a riverside guesthouse, as well as local residents. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indian Army have been deployed to search for survivors. Sniffer dogs, drones, and heavy machinery are being used to comb through debris and mud.

Rescue and Relief Efforts

Authorities have set up temporary shelters for those displaced by the floods. Food, water, and medical aid are being distributed, though access remains a challenge due to damaged infrastructure. “Our priority is to find the missing and ensure the safety of those affected,” said Deputy Commissioner Arindam Chaudhary. “We are also working to restore connectivity to isolated villages.”

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed condolences to the bereaved families and promised all possible assistance. He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant, as the weather department has warned of more heavy rain in the coming days.

Recurring Tragedy: A Grim Reminder

This is not the first time Mandi has faced such devastation. The region, known for its picturesque landscapes, has become increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events in recent years. Environmentalists attribute the rising frequency of cloudbursts and landslides to climate change and unplanned construction in ecologically sensitive zones.

Dr. Ramesh Thakur, a local environmentalist, said, “The mountains are fragile, and deforestation, along with unchecked development, has made the situation worse. Unless we take urgent measures to protect our environment, such tragedies will keep recurring.”

Community Response and Ongoing Search

As the search for survivors continues, local residents have joined hands with rescue teams, offering food, shelter, and manpower. Social media is flooded with appeals for information on missing persons, and volunteers are coordinating efforts to reunite families.

Officials have urged the public not to venture near swollen rivers or landslide-prone areas. Schools in the affected regions have been closed until further notice, and tourists have been advised to postpone travel plans.

Conclusion

The cloudburst in Mandi is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather in the Himalayan region. As rescue operations continue and the search for the missing intensifies, the focus remains on saving lives and rebuilding shattered communities. The state government has promised a thorough review of disaster preparedness measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.