3 Geological Survey of India officers among 17 rescued after flood in Pangi Valley

Three officers from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) were among 17 people rescued after being stranded in Himachal Pradesh’s remote Pangi Valley on Sunday when a culvert was swept away by a sudden flood triggered by heavy rainfall.

Due to incessant rains in the valley, the Kadu Nala in the high-altitude region swelled rapidly, washing away culverts and cutting off access routes. The GSI team, accompanied by 14 local porters, was conducting fieldwork in the area when they were trapped at an altitude of around 3,200 metres.

On receiving an alert, a joint rescue operation was launched by the police, fire department, forest department, and health authorities from Pangi. Navigating through treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather, the team managed to reach the stranded group and safely evacuate all 17 individuals.

Pangi’s officiating Resident Commissioner Raman Gharsanghi commended the operation, calling the successful rescue under extreme circumstances a testament to the courage, coordination, and dedication of the ground teams.

Situated deep in the Pir Panjal range, Pangi Valley is known for its awe-inspiring landscapes and extreme remoteness. The region is often cut off during the monsoon and winter due to landslides, washed-away roads, and heavy snowfall. Poor road connectivity, lack of basic infrastructure, and challenging terrain make it one of the toughest regions for both locals and officials. The incident once again underscores the pressing need for resilient infrastructure and better disaster preparedness in such vulnerable zones.