Cloud bursts, floods devastate Himachal; 5 dead

Nature has ravaged Himachal Pradesh once again, bringing back the images and pain of devastation and unconfirmed deaths, leaving dozens of families shocked over the loss of lives as many woke up to destruction early Thursday morning.

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The incidents are a sharp reminder of the worst disasters faced by Himachal Pradesh in 2023, causing a loss of Rs 10,000 crore and leaving more than 500 people dead. Multiple cloudbursts at Rampur early Thursday morning triggered devastating flash floods that washed away numerous houses, families, bridges, and roads across districts.

Five persons have been confirmed dead while approximately 50 are reported missing due to cloudbursts causing significant destruction in areas like Rampur, Nirmand, Sainj, and Malana in the districts of Shimla, Kullu, and parts of Mandi.

“The widespread damage highlights the severe impact of the recent extreme weather events and increased frequency of the cloudbursts after torrential rains, even as some parts of Himachal Pradesh continue to experience less rain,” said officials at the state’s Disaster Management Authority.

The local Meteorological Office has issued a “red alert” for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in isolated locations across the Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi districts for Thursday.