National News: Continuous heavy rainfall since early Sunday morning has worsened the situation in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, raising serious concerns among locals. The most severe damage has been reported from Kortang village in the Chauhar Valley of the Padhar subdivision, where a cloudburst occurred late Saturday night, causing widespread devastation. The natural disaster swept away fertile farmland, as well as three footbridges and a motorable bridge, disrupting daily life in the region.
Village Infrastructure Collapsed, Crops and Orchards Destroyed
The cloudburst, which struck Silhbudhani Gram Panchayat, has severely damaged the region’s basic infrastructure. Farmlands, fruit orchards, and property developed over years by the villagers were engulfed by debris and floodwaters within minutes. While no human casualties or injuries have been reported so far, the economic loss is significant, with many villagers now staring at months of uncertainty.
Flooded Drain Overwhelms Fields, Erosion Leaves Farmland Unusable
According to local residents, a small drain near the village suddenly overflowed, turning into a raging stream. The floodwaters swept through surrounding agricultural land, destroying standing crops of maize and vegetables. Deep cracks and soil erosion have rendered many fields unusable for future farming, adding to the financial distress of the affected families.
Administrative Response: Damage Assessment Underway
Following the incident, a relief and assessment team led by SDM Padhar Surjeet Singh was immediately dispatched to the site. The district administration has prioritized damage assessment and initiated emergency relief measures. Local leaders, including Panchayat Pradhan Prem Singh Thakur and BDC member Kamla Thakur, confirmed that although there were no casualties, critical infrastructure and private assets suffered extensive damage.
Panic in Seraj Area, Residents Kept Awake All Night
Heavy rainfall has also triggered concern in the Seraj area, where the situation remains tense. The administration had issued a landslide and flood alert late Saturday night, prompting locals to remain on high alert. Light showers began around 2:00 AM, intensifying by morning, which further disrupted road access, delayed rescue operations, and cut off connectivity to several areas.
55 People Still Missing Since June 30; 18 Dead
According to official sources, 55 people have been reported missing since the torrential rains of June 30, while 18 bodies have been recovered so far. Continuous rainfall is hampering rescue and search operations, making the recovery efforts even more difficult.
The cloudburst in Chauhar Valley is yet another reminder of the growing impact of extreme weather events in Himachal Pradesh. While villagers face deep economic hardship, the administration is actively engaged in relief and rehabilitation. Improvement in the situation largely depends on weather conditions in the coming days.
