Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK:  A massive rescue operation is underway in Himachal Pradesh after a devastating cloudburst struck the region late Wednesday night, leaving 45 people missing. The deluge has caused widespread destruction, washing away homes, roads, and bridges, and isolating several villages.

Authorities have deployed multiple teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indian Army to aid in the search and rescue efforts. Helicopters have been dispatched to airlift stranded residents and deliver essential supplies to the affected areas.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep concern over the disaster, emphasizing the need for swift action to locate the missing individuals. “Our priority is to rescue those trapped and provide immediate relief to the affected families,” he stated.

Local hospitals are on high alert, and medical teams have been mobilized to provide emergency care. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has issued warnings of possible heavy rainfall in the coming days, urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

As rescue operations continue, the state government has announced compensation for the victims’ families and plans to assess the damage for long-term rehabilitation efforts. The situation remains dire, with authorities urging citizens to stay safe and cooperate with rescue teams.Rescue operations were under way on August 2 to trace more than 45 people missing following flash floods triggered by cloudbursts in three districts of Himachal Pradesh, while 29 people stranded at the site of a power project in the State were brought to safety overnight,” officials said.