A recent cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh has led to catastrophic destruction, wiping out an entire village. The disaster’s impact has been deeply personal for residents like Anita Devi of Samej village, who shared her harrowing experience.
Anita Devi described the traumatic event from the night of Wednesday, “We were asleep when a loud crash shook our house. When we looked outside, our entire village had been washed away. We sought refuge in the Bhagwati Kali Mata temple and spent the night there,” her voice choked with emotion.
She added, “Our house is the only one that survived the devastation. Everything else was swept away before my eyes. I am now left wondering where to go and whom to stay with.”
Bakhshi Ram, an elderly villager, also recounted his sorrowful tale. Tearfully, he shared, “My family of 14 to 15 people was swept away by the flood. I learned about the disaster at 2 am while in Rampur, and I survived. Upon returning at 4 am, I found everything in ruins. I am now desperately searching for my loved ones, hoping that some may still be alive.”
As of Saturday, the cloudburst and subsequent flash floods have left 53 people missing and six bodies recovered, according to the District Disaster Management Authority. The affected areas include Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla regions.
Special Secretary DC Rana from the DDMA reported that over sixty homes have been destroyed, with multiple villages severely impacted. Restoration efforts are ongoing, particularly in Rampur, where flood damage has affected the crucial road connecting Rampur and Samej.
