More than 50 missing in Himachal Pradesh after cloudburst in Shimla, Mandi and Kullu districts

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): More than 50 people are reported missing in Shimla, Mandi and Kullu districts due to the incidents of cloudbursts in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

Rescue Operations Underway
The District Disaster Management Authority received early Thursday morning reports of the cloudburst near the hydropower project in Samej Khad, Jhakri, Rampur. Relief work has begun, with ITBP and Special Home Guard contingents involved. Essential facilities, including ambulances, are in place.

Additional Missing Persons Feared in Kullu
Officials are concerned that more people might be missing on the Kullu district side of Samej Khad.

Call for Relief Efforts
Union Health Minister and BJP President JP Nadda has called on all BJP cadres to assist with the rescue and relief operations. A statement from his office said: “In response to the significant losses from the cloudburst, Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has spoken to Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu and offered central government assistance. Nadda also directed BJP workers to engage in relief work.”

Leader of the Opposition Urges Swift Action
Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur expressed sorrow over the destruction in Rajman village near Thaltukhod, Mandi district. He highlighted the damage to buildings and houses, with many missing in Samej and Bagipul areas. Thakur urged the State Government to expedite relief and rescue efforts.

Mandi Reports Additional Cloudburst Incident
Another cloudburst has occurred in Thaltukhod, Padhar subdivision of Mandi. One body has been recovered and nine people are missing, with houses also damaged. The district administration and NDRF team have been sent to the site, according to Apoorv Devgan, Deputy Commissioner of Mandi.

(With ANI inputs)