New Delhi: Tragedy has struck Himachal Pradesh once again within a span of 24 hours as flash floods triggered by relentless rainfall have tragically claimed the lives of seven individuals. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu shared a poignant video from the Sambal village in the Mandi district, shedding light on the dire situation.

The state has been prompt in initiating active rescue, search, and relief operations to address this distressing scenario. Over the past two days, the unrelenting rainfall has led to a reported 41 casualties across the hill state, as per Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Disturbing visuals have emerged from Sambhal, Pandoh – District Mandi, where, as reported, seven individuals have been swept away by flash floods today.

Active rescue, search, and relief operations are currently in progress to address this dreadful situation. pic.twitter.com/OLgZGgXNlF

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— Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) August 14, 2023

CM Sukhu expressed his concern, stating, “Disturbing visuals have emerged from Sambhal, Pandoh – District Mandi, where, as reported, seven individuals have been swept away by flash floods today. Active rescue, search, and relief operations are currently in progress to address this dreadful situation.”

The heart-wrenching video captures the forceful rush of water downhill, accompanied by distressing cries of “oh God” from the person behind the camera.

Earlier incidents related to heavy rainfall have also claimed lives. A cloudburst incident in the Solan district resulted in the loss of seven lives last night, and a landslide near a Shiv Temple in the Summer Hill area of Shimla city claimed nine lives.

Read more: Watch | Parts of college washes away in Uttarakhand; heavy rain to continue

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his concern over the situation and highlighted the engagement of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in Himachal Pradesh for rescue and relief operations. He referred to the loss of lives due to the deluge as “extremely distressing.”

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged citizens to prioritize safety by staying indoors and avoiding proximity to drains or rivers. In an interview with NDTV, he advised people to steer clear of landslide-prone areas and requested tourists to avoid visiting the state during this crisis.

In Shimla city, fears loom over the fate of 15 to 20 individuals believed to be buried under two separate landslides. Deputy Commissioner of Shimla, Aditya Negi, conveyed that one site is situated in the Fagli area, where numerous houses have been buried under mud and slush. The uphill battle against the aftermath of the rainfall continues as rescue efforts strive to save lives and bring solace to the affected region.