Three more bodies found, toll in Mandi rises to 13

The toll in the rain disaster triggered by heavy rain in Mandi has risen to 13, while 29 persons were still missing. As many as 154 persons have been rescued in the search and relief operations underway in the worst-hit areas of the district.

According to data released by the district administration, 10 bodies were recovered on Tuesday, while three more were found today. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), police and Home Guards are actively engaged in rescue operations in the affected areas.

Torrential rain had triggered massive landslides and flashfloods, resulting in large-scale destruction. A total of 148 houses and 104 cowsheds hade been damaged while 14 road bridges had collapsed or damaged in Mandi. Besides, 162 cattle had perished in the calamity.

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force has deployed helicopters to deliver essential relief materials to the cut-off areas and food, water, medicine, and other critical supplies for stranded families.

The district administration has distributed 1,000 relief kits containing essential items such as flour, rice, pulses, cooking oil, salt and other necessities. As part of today’s aerial relief efforts, 172 relief kits were successfully distributed (90 kits were dropped at the Rain Galu helipad while 82 kits were delivered to the Janjehli area).

Besides food supplies, a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) communication portal was airlifted along with police personnel to Thunag sub-division to help restore communication links in the affected regions. The Department of Telecom has activated intra-circle roaming in Thunag tehsil and Mandi district. Users can now connect to any available network for uninterrupted telecom services. It will be valid till July 11.

The local administration has also set up relief camps to shelter the displaced. One such camp is currently operating from Government Primary School, Thunag, where over 200 affected individuals have taken refuge. Authorities are providing food, medicines, and other essential services to the people sheltered at the camp.

The district administration has established five relief camps to shelter the displaced, currently housing 357 affected individuals. Authorities have also disbursed Rs 3.13 lakh as immediate relief to impacted families.

Himachal Tribune