• Source:JND
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Himachal Cloudburst: Six bodies have been recovered so far while 53 people still remain missing after a cloudburst followed by flash floods wreaked havoc in Kullu, Mandi and Shimla regions of Himachal Pradesh, according to the District Disaster Management Authority. 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.

"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.

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Himachal Cloudburst: Latest Updates

-The cloudburst was reported on the intervening night of July 31 and August 1.

-Restoration works are underway in Rampur where the cloudburst and following flash floods damaged a road that connected Rampur and Samej regions. Meanwhile, the Indian Army built a temporary bridge to facilitate rescue operations.

-A situation report by the Himachal Pradesh State Emergency Operation Centre showed that Mandi witnessed the most casualties with five dead, followed by Kullu with one. Shimla so far has reported no casualties.

-Shimla has reported the highest number of missing people so far at 33, followed by Kullu at nine and Mandi at six. A total of 55 people had been evacuated to relief camps and 25 people reported being stranded. 61 houses were fully damaged, as the report stated, with 42 houses being partially damaged. Notably, Kullu witnessed the maximum damage.

-The NDRF team successfully carried out a rescue operation and evacuated workers of the Malana Power project.

-Earlier, Himachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri conducted an on-site assessment of the damage caused by the flash flood to the Kurpan Khad Water Supply Scheme at Baagi Pul today. He revealed that the Rs 315 crore Kurpan Khad project, currently under construction, has suffered extensive damage due to the flash flood and directed the department to take immediate and necessary measures to restore the project.

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-Mukesh Agnihotri also visited the Matiyana region in Shimla district to assess the damage to the water supply schemes and related infrastructure. He reported that the department has suffered an additional loss of Rs 10 crore due to damage to critical components including the booster, intake structure, feed line sump well, pump house, pumping machinery, and pipes.

(With Agency Inputs)