Search operations resumed for the third consecutive day on Thursday in Himachal Pradesh&rsquo;s Mandi district as authorities attempt to trace 34 people still missing after devastating cloudbursts and relentless rainfall triggered massive landslides and flash floods.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a moderate flash flood risk alert for the districts of Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan through Friday.
Despite challenging weather and damaged roads, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) displayed exceptional bravery on Wednesday. In one incident, SDRF personnel carried a pregnant woman in a palanquin over difficult terrain for several miles to reach a hospital in the Thunag area of Mandi district.
Heavy rainfall on Tuesday led to widespread destruction &mdash; 14 bridges, 148 homes, and two shops were washed away. Eleven people have died, primarily in Mandi, and authorities fear the toll may rise as hopes diminish for those still missing more than 48 hours after the disaster.
A total of 157 people have been relocated to five relief camps, according to the Himachal Pradesh State Emergency Operation Centre.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu visited Syathi village in the Laungani panchayat of Dharampur (Mandi district) on Wednesday. He met with affected families, offered condolences, and reviewed relief efforts. Each household received Rs 1.70 lakh in financial aid, along with rations, tarpaulins, and other essential supplies.
While interacting with the residents, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the government&rsquo;s support and pledged continued assistance.
Residents shared the horrors they witnessed, describing how the village was swept away in moments, leaving them with no shelter or land to even pitch tents. &ldquo;Many of us barely escaped with our lives,&rdquo; one villager recounted. [Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]

Flash floods leave trail of destruction in Mandi

Flash floods leave trail of destruction in Mandi; rescue ops on as CM visits affected families

Himachal Rain Fury: 34 Missing, Search Continues

Flash floods leave trail of destruction in Mandi; rescue ops on as CM visits affected families

July 3, 2025 | 10:23 IST