31 still missing in Mandi, rugged terrain, slippery slopes make rescue operations difficult

The hopes of finding missing persons are fading as even four days after the devastating rain-triggered disaster struck Mandi district on July 1, there is no trace of them. Round-the-clock efforts by rescue teams are underway but 31 persons remain untraced.

So far, 14 bodies have been recovered (none was found today). The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and local police teams continue strenuous search operations under extremely difficult conditions.

The data procured from the District Disaster Management Authority reveals that 20 of the missing persons were from Thunag subdivision, one of the worst-hit areas, nine from Gohar subdivision and two from Karsog.

“Rugged terrain, continuous rain and landslide-prone zones are severely hampering rescue efforts,” said an official involved in the operations. Slippery slopes, collapsed pathways, and damaged infrastructure have made access to affected villages incredibly challenging, forcing rescue personnel to proceed on foot or with the aid of limited heavy machinery.

Cloudbursts, flashfloods and intense downpour have destroyed homes and roads and several areas are buried under thick layers of debris and mud. Many affected locations remain cut off as roads have washed away and routes are blocked, further complicating search efforts.

The families of the missing persons have been anxiously waiting for good news while camping near the disaster zones and local administration offices. The psychological toll is becoming heavier with each passing day.

Meanwhile, the local authorities have urged residents to stay alert and follow advisories. Relief efforts are still underway in Mandi district but the focus has shifted to recovering bodies. Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan reiterated the administration’s commitment to continuing the search operations.