Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow on Tuesday following a devastating cloudburst in Mandi’s Jail Road area, which claimed two lives and left two others missing.
The incident, caused by relentless overnight rainfall, resulted in extensive flooding, landslides, and infrastructural damage across the state.
Calling the incident ‘extremely painful’, CM Sukhu confirmed that multiple vehicles were buried under debris and that one individual remained unaccounted for.
ज़िला मंडी के जेल रोड में बादल फटने की घटना अत्यंत दुःखद और पीड़ादायक है। इसमें दो लोगों की मृत्यु हो गई है और एक व्यक्ति के लापता होने की सूचना है, जिसकी तलाश के लिए बचाव दल युद्धस्तर पर प्रयासरत हैं। कई वाहन भी मलबे में दब गए हैं। शोक-संतप्त परिवारों के प्रति मेरी गहन संवेदनाएँ…
— Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) July 29, 2025
“Rescue teams are working on a war footing. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” read a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
शोक-संतप्त परिवारों के प्रति मेरी गहन संवेदनाएँ हैं।
प्रशासन पूरी तरह से मुस्तैद है। राहत एवं बचाव कार्यों को तेज़ी से संचालित करने के निर्देश दिए गए हैं। मैं स्वयं स्थिति की लगातार निगरानी कर रहा हूँ और सभी आवश्यक सहायता तुरंत उपलब्ध कराई जा रही है।
— CMO HIMACHAL (@CMOFFICEHP) July 29, 2025
The Chief Minister added that he was personally monitoring the situation and had instructed officials to accelerate rescue operations.
He also acknowledged the support of local residents who joined the relief efforts, “I thank the local people engaged in relief work. The state government stands firmly with the affected families in this difficult time.”
The CM further appealed to the public to follow administrative advisories and remain vigilant as weather conditions remained unstable.
Infrastructure and Public Services Hit
Overflowing drains flooded the grounds of the Zonal Hospital in Mandi, forcing authorities to temporarily close the main entrance.
Landslides blocked several interior roads across Mandi district, isolating communities and heightening the risk for residents in vulnerable areas.
One official confirmed that rescue operations were actively underway and that the search for the missing individual was ongoing.
“Relief and rescue efforts are progressing. The search continues,” the official told IANS.
Landslides and debris flow blocked the Chandigarh–Manali National Highway (NH-3) at several points between Mandi and Kullu, causing long traffic delays and leaving numerous vehicles stranded.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) reported that, by the evening of 28 July, landslides had obstructed 200 roads across Himachal Pradesh.
Authorities reported that 62 power transformers were not functioning, and 110 water supply schemes had suffered disruption, further intensifying the difficulties for affected residents.
Chief Minister Sukhu assured the public that the government was taking all necessary steps to restore essential services and support families displaced by the disaster.
With further rainfall predicted, officials remain on high alert. The administration and emergency teams are working in close coordination to prevent additional damage.
Officials have urged residents to follow updates through official channels and to avoid travelling in affected areas unless absolutely necessary.
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