Have Rescuers Resumed Operations in Himachal Pradesh to Trace 34 Missing Individuals?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rescue operations are ongoing for 34 missing individuals.
- Severe weather has resulted in significant infrastructure damage.
- The death toll has reached 10, with concerns for more casualties.
- Heavy rains are expected to persist until July 7.
- Evacuations have been initiated in flood-prone areas.
Shimla, July 2 (NationPress) On Wednesday, rescuers renewed their efforts in Himachal Pradesh to locate 34 individuals who have been unaccounted for following devastating cloudbursts and torrential rainfall that caused extensive landslides and flash floods.
A total of sixteen cloudbursts and three flash floods occurred on Tuesday in Mandi district, resulting in the destruction of a bridge, 24 houses, and one hydropower project, leading to 10 confirmed fatalities thus far.
With over 24 hours elapsed since the disaster struck, the chances of survival for the missing individuals are diminishing.
The Mandi district experienced the brunt of the devastation.
To date, rescuers have successfully brought to safety three people from Chamba district, 51 from Hamirpur district, and 316 from Mandi district.
The Meteorological Department of the state has issued predictions for heavy to very heavy rainfall persisting across the region until July 7.
Consequently, an orange alert has been issued for the period of July 2 to 7.
A morning update from the State Emergency Operation Centre reported that approximately 200,000 cusecs of water released from the Pandoh Dam poses a significant risk of flooding in the Pandoh Bazar area, potentially submerging nearby homes.
Moreover, the Jyuni Khad stream in Mandi district is currently flowing above the danger threshold.
In light of this information, evacuation procedures were swiftly initiated. The Patiakri hydropower project in Mandi has suffered substantial damage due to the flash flood.
According to the Revenue Department, 406 roads across the state remain obstructed, with 248 in Mandi, 55 in Kangra, 37 in Kullu, 32 in Shimla, 21 in Sirmaur, 6 in Chamba, 4 in Una, 2 in Solan, and 1 each in Hamirpur and Kinnaur districts.
Additionally, 1,515 power distribution transformers have been impacted, including 994 in Mandi district, along with 171 water supply schemes disrupted across the state.