Relief Efforts Intensify in Shimla District Following Major Cloudburst

Late Wednesday night, a cloudburst struck Samej, the capital of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh, causing severe disruptions. Six families are missing, with approximately 36 people unaccounted for. Authorities have launched a search operation, and reports indicate that the Ascent Hydro 6 MW project in Samej has been washed away.

Another cloudburst occurred in Ganvi village around 11 PM, affecting the 15 to 20 area. While there are no reports of casualties, damage has been reported to several houses, fields, gardens, and school buildings. Shimla’s Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anupam Kashyap, along with other officials, has arrived at the scene. A medical team from Khaneri Hospital in Rampur is also en route, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is evacuating residents from the affected ravine.

The cloudburst near the hydro project in the Samej ravine, located in the Jhakri area of Rampur, was reported to the District Disaster Management Authority early Thursday morning. DC Kashyap and Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi have traveled to the site, where they have learned that 32 people are missing.

SDM Rampur Nishant Tomar is making his way to the site, navigating difficult terrain on foot due to road closures. DC Kashyap announced that relief efforts are underway, involving the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Special Home Guard contingents, and other rescue teams. All necessary facilities, including ambulances, are being utilized in the operations.

A committee led by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, including police, fire brigade, and dam management officials, has been established to coordinate the response. The Larji Dam gates have been opened up to 37 meters, and three gates of the Pandoh Dam have been opened to release approximately 1.25 lakh cusecs of water.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda expressed his concern over the cloudburst’s impact and confirmed that he and Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu have discussed the situation. Nadda assured that the government, under Prime Minister Modi,will provide all possible assistance and then assistance. He also urged state opposition leader Jairam Thakur, BJP State President Rajiv Bindal, and BJP workers to support the affected communities which is under crises .

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