Himachal Pradesh Flash Floods: Three Dead, Many Missing After Mandi Cloudburst
Devastating flash floods have struck Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, following a sudden cloudburst that unleashed a night of destruction and panic. The incident resulted in at least three deaths, including a mother and her son, with one person injured and another woman still missing.
The town experienced an extraordinary downpour, recording nearly 200 millimetres of rainfall within a few hours. This torrential rainfall rapidly submerged streets, washed away numerous vehicles, and caused significant damage to homes and properties.
The fury of the Sukheti Nallah, swollen with debris and rushing water, significantly exacerbated the situation, overwhelming large parts of Mandi town. Over twenty vehicles were buried under mud and rubble.
Among the worst-affected areas were Jail Road, Saini Mohalla, and the vicinity of the Zonal Hospital, where floodwaters surged into homes, forcing emergency evacuations. Drone footage reveals the extensive damage, showing submerged and destroyed homes and vehicles.
Rescue efforts are in full swing. According to the Deputy Commissioner, 15 to 20 people have already been rescued. Temporary relief camps, such as the one at Vipasha Sadan, have been set up to provide shelter and support to the affected families. The scale of the disaster is immense, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events