Flash Flood in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu District Claims Life and Leaves Three Injured; 400 Sheep Perish in Spiti Valley

In an incident caused by a cloudburst, a man lost his life while three others sustained injuries when their vehicle was swept away in a flash flood. The incident took place in Kayas village, located in the Raison area of Kullu district, during the early hours of Monday. The heavy rain also resulted in eight other vehicles being washed away, a house being damaged, and the disruption of road connectivity to the village. Responding swiftly to the situation, a rescue team has been dispatched to Kayas.

The deceased has been identified as Badal Sharma from Chansari village in Kullu, while the injured individuals, Khem Chand, Suresh Sharma, and Kapil, are currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.

The meteorological department has issued a forecast for continued rainfall in Himachal Pradesh until July 22, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance.

As a precautionary measure, the state government has extended the closure of winter schools for an additional day in response to the orange alert for heavy rainfall. This extension applies to schools in Kinnaur, Pangi, and the Bharmour region of Chamba district. The closure of these schools was initially implemented on July 11.

Since July 8, the state has witnessed the devastating impact of heavy rain, cloudbursts, and landslides, resulting in the loss of 37 lives and widespread damage. Among the affected areas, Kullu and Mandi districts have been particularly hard-hit. Tragically, twelve individuals still remain missing.

In the high-altitude Pin Valley, nearly 400 sheep succumbed to the extreme cold, while another 1,200 sheep were successfully rescued in the Lahaul and Spiti district, which experienced heavy snowfall.

Rahul Jain, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti, reported that twelve Gaddi (nomadic) shepherds, who were stranded due to the adverse weather conditions in Spiti's Pin Valley towards Bhawa Pass, have been rescued. Additionally, 1,200 stranded sheep and goats were safely relocated to more secure locations. However, upon inspection by the administration, it was discovered that 400 sheep had perished, and 50 were still missing.

Fortunately, with the exception of one Gaddi individual stuck at Chandratal, all other members of the nomadic community have been successfully rescued.

On July 14, a rescue team, assisted by local residents, provided fodder, medicines, and ration supplies to donkeys stranded at Kunzum Top and Chandratal. Meanwhile, a second team set out to rescue shepherds from Rupi village in Kinnaur district, who were stranded in the Sangam Valley of Pin.

During their operation, the team received information that eight shepherds were still trapped. These individuals were promptly provided with essential supplies such as medicines, ration, and fodder. In a separate mission, the third rescue team departed from Mud village at 4 am and successfully located the six missing shepherds from Koot village in the Rampur area.

Approximately 1,100 sheep and goats were found stranded between rivulets near Bhava Pass, which is situated 17 km from Mud. The rescue team skillfully altered the flow of the drain and successfully saved all the stranded animals. After four arduous hours, all the shepherds were safely escorted back to the village.

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