Shimla:   Rescue efforts are ongoing in Himachal Pradesh following devastating cloudbursts and flash floods that have claimed eight lives and left 45 individuals missing across the districts of Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla. The floods, which began after cloudbursts struck the region on Wednesday night, have resulted in substantial damage over the past 36 hours.

The deluge has obliterated 103 houses, six motorable bridges, and 32 footbridges. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Education Minister Rohit Thakur visited Samej, a severely affected area on the Shimla-Kullu border, to evaluate the situation and support the victims. Sukhu announced immediate relief of ₹50,000 for affected families and additional support for rent and essentials for the next three months.

Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), are actively searching for the missing. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, addressing the situation from Delhi, has pledged to seek further aid for the state.

The monsoon season has been particularly severe this year, with 73 deaths and damages totaling ₹649 crore reported since June 27, according to the state’s Emergency Operation Centre.