• By Nidhi Giri
  • Sat, 03 Aug 2024 11:59 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Himachal Cloudburst: Shimla’s Samej village was wiped out after a cloudburst followed by flash floods wreaked havoc in different districts of the state. In the midst of this catastrophe, Anita Devi from Samej shared her harrowing story, explaining the gravity of the situation in Himachal Pradesh. Six bodies have been recovered so far while 53 people still remain missing after cloudburst was reported on the intervening night of July 31 and August 1. As per the Special Secretary, DC Rana of the DDMA. Over sixty houses were washed away and several villages have been severely affected by the floods.

Giving details, Anita Devi explained how a loud bang shook their house on Wednesday night while the family was asleep.

"When we looked outside, the entire village had been washed away. We fled to the village's Bhagwati Kali Mata temple and spent the entire night there,” she said, as quoted by an NDTV report.

"Only our house survived the devastation, but everything else was swept away before my eyes. Now, I don't know who I should stay with,” Anit further said, overwhelmed by emotions.

READ MORE: Himachal Cloudburst: Six Dead, 53 Missing After Flash Floods In Kullu, Mandi And Shimla | Updates

Another survivor, who is an elderly resident of Samej village shared his account. 

"My family members, around 14 to 15 people, were swept away in the flood. I received news of the flood at 2 am and was in Rampur at the time, so I survived. When I arrived here at 4 am, everything was destroyed. Now, I am searching for my loved ones, hoping that someone is still alive,” Bakhshi Ram said.

As per the Special Secretary, DC Rana of the DDMA. Over sixty houses were washed away and several villages have been severely affected by the floods.

READ MORE: Wayanad Landslides: Rescue Ops Continue On Day 5 With 300 Still Missing; Death Toll Stands At 308

"A cloudburst in the Samej area of Shimla district, Rampur region, Baghipul area of Kullu, and Paddar area of Mandi has led to widespread destruction. 53 people are missing and six bodies have been recovered," DC Rana said as quoted by news agency ANI.

The DC further informed that teams of NDRF and SDRF are coordinating the rescue of those stranded.