65 persons rescued from Seraj, Dharampur

Amid widespread devastation caused by cloudbursts, heavy rainfall and landslides the Mandi district administration has ramped up relief and rescue operations in the worst-affected Seraj and Dharampur regions.

Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan said today that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has successfully reached the remote and severely affected Piala-Deji village in Seraj. A total of 65 persons have been evacuated from Deji and nearby villages like Rukchui and Bharad, where landslides and road blockages had cut off access.

Due to damaged approach roads and connectivity issues, it took extensive coordination and a special mission with the NDRF’s support to gain access to these villages. Medical teams are providing first aid to the rescued persons. Though roads have washed away, relief teams have waded through swollen rivers and streams to deliver supplies.

Efforts to restore essential supplies are going on. In Thunag subdivision, over 157 ration kits have been distributed across villages like Rain Galu and Pakherair. Relief teams have delivered 500 ration kits to the Bagasyad region, including 150 kits for relief camps and 40 kits to Surah with the help of local labourers and panchayats. Gas cylinders, diesel and tarpaulins have been provided to flood victims.

A relief camp has been set up at Government Senior Secondary School, Bagasyad, for families whose homes were destroyed. Currently, around 80 affected persons are receiving shelter, meals and healthcare assistance with 25 to 30 staying overnight.

In Dharampur, the rescue and relief operations are going on with 266 tarpaulins, 24 ration kits, 10 blankets and three gas cylinders having been distributed. MLA Chander Shekhar informed that Rs 2.9 lakh in relief funds has already been disbursed to the affected families.

The restoration of infrastructure is going on. Out of the 73 damaged water supply schemes in Dharampur, 66 have been restored. Of the 87 blocked roads, 24 are now open to small vehicles as 28 JCBs and 15 tippers were pressed into service. Power restoration is also progressing with 22 of 27 damaged transformers already operational and repairs underway of the damaged power lines and substations.