THE NEWS DOSE DESK

Shimla/Mandi, July 1|UODATED:5.15PM

 Torrential rain caused by sudden cloudbursts late Monday night unleashed flashfloods and landslides across Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, leaving at least four people dead and 16 others missing. Rescue operations are underway in multiple locations as authorities race against time to locate the missing and restore essential services.

The disaster struck without warning, submerging low-lying areas and uprooting homes. Among the worst-affected is Siyanj Panchayat, where nine people went missing after two houses were swept away by a swollen nullah. In Talwara village of Gohar block, three people were washed away, while four others remain unaccounted for in the Karsog subdivision.

Evacuations and Damage

Residents from several vulnerable areas — including Palace Colony, DIET, Bada, Bassi, Kutti, Rikki villages, and students of Government Degree College Karsog — were evacuated to safer locations.

Initial assessments by district authorities reveal widespread destruction:

• 10 houses and 12 cowsheds completely damaged

• 26 heads of cattle perished in the floodwaters

• Several villages cut off due to damaged approach roads and landslides

In Dharampur subdivision, heavy landslides in Serthi and Bhadrana villages led to house collapses, heightening fears of further damage as rain continues.

Transport Paralyzed, Highways Blocked

The flashfloods and mudslides have severely disrupted road connectivity. The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been blocked at multiple points, notably near Jhalogi Tunnel, Four Miles, and Pandoh, leaving hundreds of commuters and tourists stranded between Mandi and Aut.

Some travelers were forced to spend the night inside tunnels and parked vehicles due to road closures and rising water levels. As a precaution, authorities suspended all vehicular movement from Mandi toward Kullu.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has mobilized heavy machinery and teams to clear debris and restore traffic, though intermittent rainfall is slowing the progress.

Rivers Swell as Dams Release Water

In another alarming development, the Pandoh Dam opened its spillway gates following a sharp rise in inflows from the Beas River’s upper catchment areas. The dam release caused the river to swell dangerously downstream.

Similarly, the Larji Hydro Electric Project (126 MW) in Kullu increased its water discharge due to high silt levels and surging water volume. The public and tourists have been advised to stay away from riverbanks and follow official safety warnings.

Schools Shut, Disaster Response in Full Swing

In view of the hazardous conditions, District Magistrate Apoorv Devgan ordered the closure of all schools and educational institutions in Mandi district on July 1 (Tuesday) as a precautionary measure.

Rescue and relief operations are being carried out by combined teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, home guards, and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). Local volunteers are also assisting in relief efforts and evacuation.

Administration Urges Caution

With heavy rains forecast to continue, the district administration has issued advisories urging residents to:

• Avoid travel in landslide-prone and low-lying areas

• Stay indoors unless necessary

• Remain alert to weather updates and official instructions

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is closely monitoring the situation and has directed officials to ensure timely rescue, rehabilitation, and relief operations.

This is a developing story. More updates will follow as rescue efforts progress and weather conditions evolve.