Pet dog emerges saviour in Mandi village, saves 60 lives amid monsoon fury

Dogs have always been known for their loyalty to their masters and sharp instincts to sense an imminent danger. On the stormy night of June 30, a pet dog at Siyathi village, Mandi district, proved just how valuable and life-saving these instincts can be. What began as a typical monsoon night turned into a real-time rescue mission — one that saved over 60 lives, thanks to a vigilant pet.

Just past midnight, as heavy rain lashed the Dharampur area, Narender’s pet dog — restless and agitated — began barking uncontrollably from the second floor. Suddenly jolted and alarmed, Narender checked the balcony and was stunned to see a large crack opening in the exterior wall. Muddy water had begun seeping in.

Realising the danger, Narender grabbed his dog and rushed down the stairs, shouting warnings to his neighbours. The dog’s barks, coupled with Narender’s calls, woke up the nearby residents.

Within five minutes, over 60 villagers from 20 households fled into the rain-soaked darkness. Leaving behind their homes, animals and belongings, they scrambled up the slippery slopes towards a safer area. Clutching their children and pets and fully drenched, they moved swiftly, unaware they had just escaped a certain death.

Moments after they reached a distant ground, a massive landslide roared down the hillside. Houses crumbled, trees snapped and walls were torn apart. By dawn, only four or five structures remained. The rest were buried, leaving behind only debris. Siyathi had been badly devastated.

Since the disaster, survivors have been taking refuge at the Naina Devi temple in Triambala village. For over a week, they’ve battled trauma, sleepless nights and illnesses like hypertension. Necessities like food, medicine and shelter are still lacking, though some help has trickled in. The state has issued Rs 10,000 per affected family as preliminary relief.

Villager Mohan voiced the collective concern: “Can we trust a dog to warn us next time? We need proper early warning systems, village relocation plans and construction that respects the fragile hills.”

Himachal Tribune