Swift aerial and ground rescues in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district amidst flooding

The Pong Dam on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh experienced an unprecedented influx of 7.3 lakh cusecs of water, pushing the reservoir's level beyond the permitted 1,390 feet mark. Consequently, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) took the decision to open the floodgates. This led to the flooding of villages in the Indora and Fatehpur sub-divisions.

Rescue operations in full swing

Over 1,000 individuals from villages within the Indora and Fatehpur sub-divisions of Kangra district were successfully rescued after water release from the Pong Dam caused downstream areas to be inundated. This collaborative rescue effort involved the Indian Air Force (IAF), army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The rescue operation is ongoing, aiming to bring stranded residents to safety.

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's response

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is personally overseeing the rescue and relief operations in Kangra. He highlighted the combined efforts of the IAF, army, NDRF, and SDRF, stating that they are working tirelessly to aid the affected residents. He also acknowledged the unfortunate increase in rain-related incidents, reporting a toll of 60 and estimating the monsoon's overall loss at ₹10,000 crore.

ALSO READ: Tragedy Strikes Himachal Pradesh: Families Await News Amidst Temple Collapse and Landslides

Unprecedented flooding and devastation

Villages such as Badala, Bela Indora, Bella Thakran, Mand Snour, Mand Miyani, Ulehriyan, Dhameta, Haler, and Milwan Riyali have been severely impacted by the flooding. The floodwaters have not only submerged houses but also engulfed agricultural fields, bridges, and roads, causing widespread damage.

Legislator Bhawani Singh Pathania of Fatehpur attributed the devastation to illegal mining, encroachments in floodplains, and the disregard of warnings. Pathania noted that officials had been cautioning residents in downstream areas to evacuate their homes, emphasizing the risks involved. However, despite their efforts, some residents did not heed the advice, resulting in the tragic consequences that unfolded.

Efforts to rescue and evacuate stranded individuals continue, with the assistance of IAF helicopters and boats. The rescue teams have successfully airlifted hundreds of people, including students, patients, and pregnant women, from the affected areas. The operation remains challenging due to the extensive flooding, but the coordinated efforts of various agencies are ensuring that those in need are being reached and brought to safety.

ALSO READ: Devastating rain wreaks havoc in Himachal Pradesh: 55 lives lost, 'red' alerts issued - latest highlights

Need for preparedness and response

The situation in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and timely response. Illegal activities like mining and encroachments exacerbate the impact of natural disasters, making proactive measures and community cooperation crucial to mitigating their effects. While rescue efforts are ongoing, it is a stark reminder of the need for both individual vigilance and effective government interventions to minimize the human and infrastructural toll of such calamities.