Samajh Cloudburst Crisis: Ongoing Heavy Rain Impedes Rescue Operations

A relief and rescue team operating in Samej village, Rampur, has encountered significant challenges due to ongoing heavy rain following a devastating cloudburst that claimed at least six lives. The severe weather conditions on Wednesday have obstructed rescue operations in the region.

Inspector Nanak Chand Sharma from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) reported that the heavy rainfall had caused a road collapse, preventing the rescue team from reaching the affected area. “The point we need to access is just 1-2 km away, but the heavy rain has caused the road to cave in, making it very difficult for vehicles to proceed,” said Inspector Sharma.

Rescue and relief operations have been underway in Samej village since the catastrophic cloudburst on August 1, which resulted in the deaths of at least six people. In response, the government has announced an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 for the affected families, according to Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh.

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Minister Singh stated, “The cloudburst occurred 2-3 days ago over the Shrikhand mountaintop, leading to extensive damage in Rampur and Kullu.”

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the area to assess the situation and brief officials. Efforts are underway to set up Bailey bridges at various locations. The Indian Army has also launched extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations to support the affected communities.

According to the Indian Army, the road to the incident site was blocked due to a land shift approximately 2.5 kilometers from the site. Troops have continued their efforts on foot beyond the blockade.

(WITH INPUTS FROM ANI)

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