Himachal Flash Floods: 250 Rescued in Major Operation, Search Efforts Continue

KANGRA:
In a massive rescue effort led by state and central agencies, over 250 individuals have been safely evacuated after sudden flash floods wreaked havoc across parts of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. The natural disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall, saw rivers and nullahs overflow rapidly, leaving several people stranded and sweeping others away.

Superintendent of Police, Kangra, Shalini Agnihotri, provided a detailed account of the situation. “Yesterday, teams from SDRF, local police, and Home Guards conducted intensive search operations. We managed to rescue 250 people and recovered two bodies. Today, with the NDRF joining the mission, three more bodies have been recovered, bringing the total to five,” she said, noting that four bodies have been identified so far while three people remain missing. One survivor was dramatically rescued from a forested area earlier today.

Thankfully, no new missing reports have been filed beyond the current figures. “The situation has stabilised to an extent. Apart from the 250 rescued, no further distress calls have come in,” SP Agnihotri added.

Reacting swiftly to the crisis, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu issued an urgent directive to all Deputy Commissioners across the state, asking them to remain on round-the-clock alert. He also emphasised the importance of immediate relief and rehabilitation, directing officials to identify and relocate vulnerable groups — especially migrant workers and families living near rivers, khads, and low-lying nullahs.

In a virtual meeting with district officials from Shimla, the CM also insisted on public advisories to discourage tourists and locals from approaching rivers and flood-prone areas during the ongoing monsoon season.

The rescue operation remains ongoing, with NDRF, SDRF, and police teams continuing to comb affected zones. Authorities have urged citizens to stay cautious as rainfall activity remains high across the region.