Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh is grappling with the aftermath of a cloudburst at Paddhar, which has claimed one life and left nine persons missing. The heavy rain has rendered roads inaccessible, prompting the district administration to seek urgent assistance from the Air Force and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
The cloudburst struck Thaltukhod village in Paddhar sub-division, causing extensive damage. Despite the risk, local residents successfully rescued 35 persons.
Mandi District Commissioner Apurv Devgan confirmed the fatality and the ongoing search for the missing individuals. The relief operations, however, have been severely hampered by the damaged infrastructure.
In response to the disaster, all schools in the Paddhar sub-division have been closed. The district administration has issued an alert to the Air Force, requesting aerial support for potential rescue missions. Assistance from the NDRF has also been sought to bolster the rescue efforts.
Rescue teams are currently attempting to reach the affected area on foot, navigating the challenging terrain caused by the extensive road damage. The focus remains on locating the missing individuals and providing immediate relief to those affected by the disaster.
The heavy rainfall and subsequent cloudburst have wreaked havoc in the region, with the local administration and emergency services working tirelessly to manage the crisis. The involvement of the Air Force and the NDRF was crucial to overcoming the logistical challenges and ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected residents, said an official.
