KULLU, HP RAVAGED BY CLOUD BURST: 1 DEAD, 3 INJURED

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh – In a devastating incident, a cloud burst occurred in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, claiming the life of one person and leaving three others injured. The incident took place yesterday evening, causing widespread panic and destruction in the region.

According to local authorities, the cloud burst occurred in the remote village of Malana, situated in the Parvati Valley. The village, known for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes, turned into a scene of chaos as heavy rainfall, accompanied by hail and strong winds, lashed the area for over an hour. The sudden and intense downpour triggered flash floods and landslides, resulting in severe damage to homes, roads, and crops.

Rescue teams from the local administration and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were immediately deployed to the affected area. They worked tirelessly throughout the night, evacuating stranded residents and providing medical assistance to the injured. The injured individuals were rushed to the nearby Kullu district hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable.

Unfortunately, despite the prompt response from the rescue teams, one person lost their life in the calamity. The deceased has been identified as Rajesh Sharma, a resident of Malana. The 35-year-old was trapped under the debris caused by the landslide and could not be saved in time. The local authorities expressed their condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of all necessary support.

The aftermath of the cloud burst left the entire village in a state of shock and despair. Homes were washed away, crops were destroyed, and the village infrastructure was severely damaged. The villagers, already struggling due to the ongoing pandemic, are now faced with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch.

Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Rakesh Singh, expressed his grief over the loss of life and instructed the concerned authorities to provide immediate relief to the affected villagers. He announced a compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs to the family of the deceased and Rs. 1 lakh each to the injured individuals.

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for the region, advising residents to remain cautious and prepared for further heavy rainfall in the coming days. The local administration has also urged people living in vulnerable areas to evacuate and take shelter in safer locations.

As the village of Malana struggles to recover from this tragedy, neighboring districts and organizations have come forward to extend their support. Relief camps have been set up, providing shelter, food, and medical facilities to the affected residents. Efforts are underway to restore communication and transportation links to the isolated village.

The cloud burst in Kullu serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and destructive power of nature. The incident highlights the need for better disaster preparedness and infrastructure in vulnerable regions, especially in mountainous areas prone to such natural disasters. The government and local authorities must take immediate steps to mitigate future risks and provide adequate support to the affected communities.

As the affected villagers rebuild their lives, they will require sustained assistance and support from both governmental and non-governmental organizations to recover from this calamity and regain a sense of normalcy in their lives.