At least 17 killed in Himachal Pradesh flash floods, 7 bodies recovered amid rescue ops

The death toll from flash floods in Himachal Pradesh crossed 17 on Saturday, as the state reels from damage caused by increased monsoon activity, according to Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi.

Particularly affecting the Kullu and Dharamshala areas, the heavy downpour severely hit “road connectivity, electricity lines and water supply” in the state, he told ANI. 

He added that so far, a national highway in the state had not yet been closed, and “some small bridges in certain areas have washed away”. 

According to Additional Superintendent of Police (Kangra) Hitesh Lakhanpal, 7 bodies have been recovered so far—one from Jammu and Kashmir, one from Uttar Pradesh, and the remaining from Himachal Pradesh.

Negi also mentioned that mock drills and district-level preparedness exercises had been conducted in recent days to enhance disaster response capabilities. 

"All district officials have been instructed to remain on high alert and ensure immediate relief to affected people during any eventuality," he added.

"One person managed to save himself, while others were swept away. Search operations are currently underway to locate the missing persons. Teams have been deployed for rescue and recovery,” explained Negi.

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He also urged tourists to take all necessary precautions when travelling during the monsoon season, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. His comments come after the collapse of the Kundmala bridge in rural Pune earlier this month due to heavy rainfall. 125 people had been standing on it at the time of collapse.

According to initial estimates, the damage will set the state back by about ₹300 crores.

India