Two dead, over 50 missing after cloudburst in Himachal

SHIMLA: Approximately 50 people are reportedly missing and two dead in Himachal Pradesh after multiple cloudbursts were reported in Kullu, Shimla and Mandi districts on Thursday. The disaster has left Manali cut off from the rest of the country, with the state government requesting the army and air force to be on standby.

In Shimla district, a cloudburst in Samej Khud, Jhakri, Rampur has left over 32 people missing. In Mandi district, cloudbursts affected Rajban village and near Tikkan Thalukot village, where one person was killed, another critically injured, and nine are missing. All these individuals are buried under debris, and rescue operations are ongoing.

The Paravati Valley in Kullu has also been severely impacted, with the Malana 2 Power Project experiencing significant damage. The water flow levels in nearby rivers have risen, prompting advisories for people to stay away from these areas. Additionally, a cloudburst in Nirmand, Kullu district, has resulted in seven people missing, disrupted connectivity, and numerous houses washed away. The extent of losses is still being assessed.