Himachal Pradesh Floods: Seven Rescued, Tragic Losses Reported Amidst Heavy Rainfall

Seven people were rescued in Himachal Pradesh’s Nahan after being stranded due to heavy rains increasing the water level of Markanda River. Authorities advised relocation for those near rivers following an alert. Shimla Police continue searches, with 55 missing, and significant infrastructural damage reported across the state.

Seven individuals, including four children and three adults, were successfully rescued from the rising waters of the Markanda River in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, officials confirmed on Sunday. The rescue operation, led by SDM Saleem Azam, utilized JCB machines to bring the stranded individuals to safety following heavy rainfall in the region.

SDM Azam urged residents living near riverbanks to relocate due to a rain alert issued. He stated, "The administration and rescue teams reached promptly and facilitated the safe evacuation of all seven trapped individuals."

Concurrently, Shimla Police persist in search operations from Samej village to the Sunni area along the Satluj river. According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 55 individuals have been reported missing since August 1, with the majority from the districts of Shimla and Kullu.

Infrastructure in the state faces significant impacts, with 128 roads closed and disruptions in 44 electricity and 67 water schemes. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the incident at the Himachal-Punjab border, where nine individuals from Dehla village in Una district perished due to flooding.

Chief Minister Sukhu offered condolences via a social media platform, saying, "The tragic loss of nine lives due to strong water flow near Jaijon is deeply saddening. I remain in close contact with local authorities, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families."

The state government revealed that the recent heavy rains and ensuing floods have resulted in an estimated Rs 900 crore loss to the Irrigation and Public Health, Public Works Department, and road infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies.)