Himachal CM calls Mandi cloudburst "extremely tragic, painful", assures urgent rescue efforts

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 29 (ANI): The Himachal CM, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has expressed sorrow over the tragic cloudburst on Jail Road in Mandi district, calling the incident extremely painful.
He said rescue operations are underway on a war footing, as efforts continue to locate missing persons and clear debris.
Extending condolences to the bereaved families, the Chief Minister assured that the state government is providing all necessary support and is firmly standing by the affected people during this challenging time.
In a post on X, Himachal CM Sukhu wrote, "The cloudburst incident on Jail Road in Mandi district is extremely tragic and painful. Two people have lost their lives, and one person is reported missing, with rescue teams working tirelessly to locate them. Several vehicles have also been buried under debris. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grief-stricken families. The administration is fully alert. Instructions have been given to expedite relief and rescue operations."

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

"I am personally monitoring the situation continuously, and all necessary assistance is being provided immediately. I also extend my gratitude to the local people who are engaged in relief efforts. The state government stands firmly with the affected people during this difficult time. I urge everyone to follow the guidelines issued by the administration and remain vigilant," the post added on X.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Himachal Pradesh has issued an advisory warning of continued intense rainfall in several parts of the state, including Mandi. According to IMD, Shimla city and adjoining areas are likely to receive moderate to very intense rainfall in the next few hours.
The weather office also predicted moderate to intense spells of rain over South Shimla, Solan, and the surrounding districts. Chamba, Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur are expected to receive intense showers over the next two hours, while rain is expected to persist over Kullu and Mandi for the next 2-3 hours. Sirmaur may experience intense spells in the following two hours.
Three people lost their lives, and one woman is reported missing after heavy rains lashed Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district late Monday night, triggering a flood-like situation and widespread damage, officials said on Tuesday.
Speaking to ANI, District Commissioner (DC) Apoorv Devgan said, "The stretch of jail road has been affected by heavy rain. 3 people have died in the area near Jail Road. One woman is missing. The search operation by the police, NDRF and Home Guard teams is underway. The roads are also being cleared. Many vehicles have been piled up near the hospital. Casualties have been reported, along with that, many houses have been damaged."
He added, "We have set up a relief camp in Vipasha Sadan. Officials from the electricity, PWD, Jal Shakti, and other departments are working together to provide relief."
A flood was observed in various parts of Mandi following heavy rainfall in the city. The local police, NDRF, and Home Guards team were deployed for relief and rescue work.
Continuous heavy rainfall since late Monday night has disrupted life in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. The region has been experiencing incessant rain since 11 PM, resulting in a flood-like situation across various parts of the town.
One of the worst-affected areas is the Zonal Hospital Mandi, where there is excessive water accumulation and overflow from nearby drains. The main access road to the hospital has been closed.
Reports from local administration confirm multiple landslides in and around Mandi town, disrupting traffic and endangering residents living in landslide-prone areas. Debris from these landslides has blocked key internal roads, adding to the chaos. (ANI)