Himachal Pradesh CM Pledges Support to Families Affected by Flash Floods

In the wake of devastating flash floods in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has reached out to affected families, promising extensive government support for recovery efforts. With at least 13 fatalities and numerous individuals missing, the CM visited the hardest-hit areas, assuring residents of assistance in rebuilding their homes and livelihoods. He highlighted the potential role of climate change in these disasters and committed to addressing land allotment requests for reconstruction. The government is prioritizing relief efforts and compensation for lost livestock and property.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 3, 2025, 16:07 IST

Government Response to Natural Disasters in Mandi

Mandi: As relentless monsoon rains continue to impact Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has reached out to families affected by flash floods and cloudbursts in the Mandi district, vowing comprehensive government assistance for recovery and rehabilitation.

At least 13 individuals have lost their lives, and 29 remain unaccounted for following a series of cloudbursts that caused severe flooding in the Dharampur area.

During his visit to Syathi village in the Longani panchayat of Dharampur Assembly constituency, one of the hardest-hit areas, CM Sukhu met with families affected by the disaster. He assured them that the state government would provide unwavering support to every impacted household and extend all possible help.

While on-site, the Chief Minister assessed the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts by the district administration. He announced a special relief package aimed at reconstructing damaged homes and stated that increased compensation would be available for lost livestock and destroyed cowsheds.

Climate Change's Role in Recent Disasters

CM Sukhu noted, “Numerous cloudburst incidents have been reported throughout the state, and climate change may be a contributing factor.” He emphasized the necessity for collaborative studies between central and state governments to better understand and address such disasters.

He also mentioned that significant damage has been reported in Thunag, Janjehli, and Bagsyad areas of Mandi district, with efforts to restore essential services being prioritized.

Residents Seek Land for Reconstruction

Many residents recounted their traumatic experiences to the Chief Minister, explaining that the disaster had not only destroyed their homes but also the land needed for temporary shelters. They urged the government to intervene for land allotment to help them rebuild their lives.

In response, CM Sukhu assured that if government land is available, it would be allocated for housing. For areas under forest jurisdiction, he promised to engage with the Central government to secure the necessary clearances.

Accompanying the Chief Minister was Dharampur MLA Chander Shekhar, who provided insights into the extent of the devastation in the constituency.

Official estimates indicate that the cloudburst in Dharampur resulted in the destruction of 26 houses, 31 cowsheds, and two shops, with 76 animals lost and a vital iron bridge also damaged.