The scenic hills of Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district turned tragic this week as devastating cloudbursts and flash floods claimed more lives, bringing the death toll to 10. On Wednesday, rescue teams recovered five more bodies, deepening the heartbreak for families already grappling with the destruction left behind by nature's fury.

A large number of cloudbursts, flash floods and a large landslide incident were reported around the Mandi region in the state. The continuous monsoon rains not only shed homes and roads, but have also severely affected the lives of the people, causing many people to be trapped and living in an atmosphere of fear.

The situation is extremely serious, as around 34 people are still missing, and as the search operation is moving, this number may increase further. Teams of NDRF, SDRF, police and home guards are fully involved in relief and rescue operations despite difficult weather and inaccessible areas. Both hope and suffering are increasing with every passing hour, as the teams are looking forward to a miracle while removing the debris and looking at the river banks.

Infrastructure damage is widespread. Over 180 roads remain blocked, cutting off villages. Power transformers and water supply schemes over 600 and 450 respectively have been devastated or shut down, causing further distress in affected areas. Schools have been closed, and authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid travel, especially near rivers and hillsides.

The critical monsoon situation has left folks shaken. Many families have lost everything, while others wait in uncertainty. Relief camps have been set up, and local volunteers are helping supply food and essentials.

As nature continues to test the region’s resilience, what shines through is the human spirit of rescue workers who refuse to give up and of locals helping each other survive. For Himachal, the road to recovery is long, but unity and compassion will lead the way.