Ten individuals who were stranded in a reservoir in Himachal Pradesh since last night have been successfully rescued now, as stated by officials. The incident occurred when their boat became trapped in the Kol Dam reservoir in Mandi due to rising water levels caused by continuous rainfall.
Among those stuck in the reservoir, five are employees of the forest department, as reported.
Upon receiving information from locals, the police dispatched a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the scene.
Since the beginning of the Monsoon season this year, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed over 338 deaths in rain-related incidents, with 38 individuals still missing, according to the state’s emergency operation center.
Unceasing rainfall has triggered landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods, resulting in substantial destruction within the state. The Himachal Pradesh government has officially designated the entire state as an area affected by a ‘natural calamity.’
The most recent data released by the state government reveals that the monetary losses in Himachal have reached ₹8,014.61 crore since June 24.
The meteorological office has issued an Orange alert for the state in the upcoming days. The Indian Meteorological Department warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall, estimating amounts ranging from 115.6 to 204.4 mm on August 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.
An Orange alert signifies a warning of “extremely adverse” weather conditions that could result in transportation disruptions including road and rail closures, as well as power supply interruptions.