Shimla, June 28: At least five people have died and several others are missing after intense rainfall triggered flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides across Himachal Pradesh in the past 24 hours, state authorities said on Thursday.
According to a government statement, the hill state witnessed three incidents of cloudbursts, nine flash floods, and three landslides since Wednesday, leaving one person injured and disrupting normal life in several districts.
Rescue operations are continuing on a war footing in affected areas, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Home Guards deployed. At least 21 stranded individuals have been evacuated so far, officials said.
Three people in Kullu district and around six in Kangra district remain unaccounted for, prompting an intensified search by emergency teams.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reviewed the situation with senior officials during a virtual meeting from Shimla. He instructed all district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure round-the-clock public assistance amid the deteriorating weather conditions.
The chief minister also directed authorities to identify and relocate vulnerable groups, particularly migrant labourers living near riverbanks, to safer areas. The Himalayan state, prone to weather-related disasters during the monsoon season, has experienced increasing incidents of extreme rainfall events in recent years, raising concerns over climate vulnerability and disaster preparedness.
