NewKerala.com

Key Points

Flash floods in Dharamshala swept away several people, prompting a massive rescue operation involving SDRF, police, and NDRF teams. Over 250 were rescued while five bodies have been recovered so far. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed officials to remain on high alert and relocate vulnerable communities. Authorities have warned tourists and locals to avoid rivers during the monsoon season.

Key Points: 250 Rescued in Dharamshala Flash Floods as Search Continues

  • 250 rescued in joint SDRF-police operation
  • 5 bodies recovered, 3 still missing
  • CM Sukhu orders 24/7 alert for district officials
  • Tourists warned against rivers during rains
2 min read

Himachal: Over 250 rescued after flash floods in Dharamshala, search operation continue

Over 250 rescued in Himachal's Dharamshala after flash floods sweep away people; NDRF joins search ops as CM Sukhu issues alerts.

"Yesterday, SDRF, local police, and Himachal Pradesh Home Guard volunteers conducted a search and rescue operation in which 250 people were successfully rescued. - Shalini Agnihotri, Kangra SP"

Kangra, June 27

Over 250 people were rescued in a major operation by state and central teams after flash floods hit parts of Dharamshala, officials said.

Speaking to ANI, the Kangra Superintendent of Police, Shalini Agnihotri, said the flash floods had swept away several individuals, triggering immediate search and rescue operations by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police.

"Some people were swept away in the flash floods. Yesterday, SDRF, local police, and Himachal Pradesh Home Guard volunteers conducted a search and rescue operation in which 250 people were successfully rescued and two bodies were recovered. Today, NDRF also joined the local police at these spots. Three more bodies were recovered today. Out of the total, four bodies have been identified. Three people are missing. One survivor has been rescued from the forest," She said.

"Today, the situation is better because apart from the 250 people of these groups, no other missing persons have been reported," she added.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday directed all the Deputy Commissioners of the State to stay alert and ensure 24/7 availability for the public to deal with the unfolding situation efficiently, keeping in view the adverse weather conditions.

According to an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), while reviewing the situation in the State with district administrations virtually from Shimla today, he asked all Deputy Commissioners to conduct relief and rehabilitation operations for affected individuals on a war-footing basis.

The Chief Minister also instructed them to identify individuals or families, particularly migrant labourers, living close to the banks of rivers, khads, and nullahs and to relocate them to safer places, while ensuring their safety. He also directed the issuance of advisories warning tourists and locals against venturing near rivers and nullahs during the rainy season.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Heartbreaking to see our beautiful Himachal suffering like this. Kudos to the rescue teams working tirelessly in dangerous conditions. The government should invest more in early warning systems for flash floods - we can't keep losing lives like this every monsoon. 🙏
P
Priya M.
Why are migrant laborers always the most vulnerable? The CM's instruction to relocate them is good but this should be standard protocol BEFORE disasters strike. Our hill states need better urban planning to prevent construction in flood-prone areas. Stay safe everyone!
A
Amit S.
Salute to NDRF and local police! These are the real heroes we should be celebrating. Meanwhile, tourists please follow advisories - don't risk your life for selfies near flooded rivers. Every year we see the same mistakes despite warnings.
N
Neha T.
Climate change is making our Himalayan states more vulnerable each year. Beyond rescue operations, we need long-term solutions - better drainage, afforestation, and strict regulations on construction. My prayers with the affected families. 💔
V
Vikram J.
Good to see coordination between state and central forces. But why does it take disasters for administrations to act? The CM's "war-footing" orders should be the norm, not the exception. Hope the missing persons are found safe soon.
S
Sunita R.
As someone who visits Dharamshala often, this is terrifying. The local communities there are so resilient but they need proper infrastructure support. Maybe this tragedy will finally push authorities to implement better flood management systems in the hills.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50