Beas fury: Swift rescue saves 31 as floods displace scores

In the wake of relentless rainfall, the Beas surged past danger levels in Jaisinghpur and Harshipatan, triggering flash floods that displaced numerous residents and inflicted severe damage on homes and infrastructure. Authorities swiftly relocated people living near riverbanks and vulnerable zones to safer locations as floodwaters rose dangerously, particularly following the release of water from Pandoh and Larji dams over the past two days.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hem Raj Berwa had earlier directed the evacuation of makeshift settlements of migrant labourers. Acting on these orders, local officials had already shifted these temporary shelters last week, minimising further risk to life.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Jaisinghpur personally inspected the flood-affected areas on Monday, overseeing relief and rescue operations. He urged residents to avoid gathering on the Sujanpur and Harshipatan bridges, warning that the river had crossed the danger mark and posed significant threats.

The situation escalated further when a damaged protective wall near Kheri village collapsed late Sunday night, leaving 31 residents of Ballakheri stranded on a rising riverbed. Acting swiftly, a quick response team from the 4th Battalion of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), stationed at Jangalberi, launched a high-risk night-time rescue. Under the leadership of DSP Vikas Dhiman, the operation lasted over three hours, successfully bringing all stranded individuals to safety. Local panchayat leaders, including Pradhan Kishor and Up-Pradhan Jagdish, assisted the team on the ground.

The damaged wall continues to endanger about a dozen houses in Kheri village. Meanwhile, at least six internal roads in Jaisinghpur remain blocked due to landslides, further hampering movement and relief operations.

Relief measures, including the provision of food and shelter, are currently underway as the administration assesses the full extent of the damage and prepares for further contingencies.