Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in Mandi, following heavy rains and cloudbursts, according to sources on Thursday. He has directed top officials to provide all possible assistance to those affected, with relief operations currently in full swing.
Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also engaged with the situation, speaking to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to assess the disruption caused by cloudbursts in Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu districts. Describing the incidents as “extremely sad,” Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“The news of the death and disappearance of many people due to cloudbursts and heavy rains in Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu is extremely sad. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families in this difficult time,” Gandhi posted.
He also mentioned that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and state administration are actively involved in relief and rescue operations. “I have spoken to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu ji and reviewed this difficult situation. He said that he himself is visiting these incident sites, and meanwhile, NDRF, SDRF, and the state administration are continuously involved with commitment to relief and rescue operations in this hour of crisis. I hope all the missing people are found as soon as possible,” he added.
Chief Minister Sukhu reported that around 50 people are missing, and two bodies have been recovered. “Cloudbursts occurred in Mandi, Shimla, and Kullu districts today. Around 50 people are missing, and two bodies have been recovered. NDRF, SDRF, DCs, and officials are present at the spot. We have instructed the officials to make all arrangements and sought help from the army. I appeal to people not to go near canals and rivers. The Air Force has been asked to be ready,” CM Sukhu stated.
He further mentioned plans to visit the affected areas as soon as the weather clears, adding that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured all possible help. “The Union Home Minister has assured all possible help and said that two additional NDRF teams are being sent. BJP chief Nadda also called twice and said that Prime Minister Modi is also concerned,” he added.
CM Sukhu also noted his communication with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, assuring them that while the situation is under control, roads and infrastructure have been damaged, and Manali has lost connectivity.
The water level in the Beas River has risen due to heavy rains in the region. Mandi police reported that a cloudburst in Village Rajban near Terang, under the jurisdiction of Police Post Tikkan in Police Sub Division Padhar, led to two houses being completely washed away and one partially damaged.
According to a release from the district administration in Mandi, the increased water levels of the Beas River have caused silting, leading to the opening of the Pandoh Dam gates. The administration has appealed to residents to avoid going near the river due to the release of water and silt from the dam.
