On August 1, a powerful cloudburst hit the Kullu-Manali Highway, wreaking havoc and causing substantial damage. The deluge of water and debris washed away parts of the road, disrupting travel and isolating communities. By Sunday, some progress had been made, with the Kullu-Manali highway being partially restored allowing for one-way traffic. However, the situation remained far from resolved, with only a single lane open and extensive reconstruction needed.
Kullu-Manali Highway Partially Restored For Vehicular Traffic
The Nirmand area was particularly affected by the disaster. The cloudburst had a devastating impact on the region, leading to the loss of one life and leaving two people missing. As per latest reports, 11 individuals were still unaccounted for, and 12 others had been either injured or were missing. The damage extended beyond just the road, as the storm destroyed more than 20 bridges in the Bagipul area and surrounding regions. This massive destruction severely hampered relief efforts.
As per reports by Times Of India, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressed the dire situation. He highlighted the extensive damage to infrastructure and other assets since the disaster began on June 27. Sukhu emphasised that the government was closely monitoring the relief and search operations in the affected areas. His commitment to restoring normalcy was clear, as he outlined ongoing efforts to manage the crisis.
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Temporary Restorations In Affected Areas
On Sunday, search operations resumed at dawn, driven by a determination to locate all missing individuals. Director General of Himachal Pradesh Police Atul Verma confirmed in a statement to the Times Of India that the search would continue until every missing person was found. Verma commended the tireless work of the NDRF, SDRF, and emergency responders, acknowledging their crucial role in the rescue operations.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the Forest Department managed to implement temporary restorations in some affected areas. While some progress had been made, the region still faces significant challenges. The losses were substantial, with estimates exceeding ₹ 700 crore. Despite the scale of the devastation, the communities in Himachal Pradesh displayed remarkable resilience and solidarity. They rallied together to support each other in the face of overwhelming adversity, working tirelessly to recover from the disaster.
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The situation remains fluid, and ongoing efforts are required to fully restore the affected areas and support those impacted by the cloudburst. The combined efforts of government officials, emergency responders, and local communities are crucial in overcoming this crisis and rebuilding the region.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons