Dharampur floods cause Rs 4.6 crore loss to HPSEB, HRTC loses 20 buses

In the wake of the devastating flash floods triggered by torrential rains in Dharampur subdivision, Mandi district, the local administration has disbursed Rs 13.60 lakh in immediate relief funds to the affected. According to SDM Joginder Patiyal, the aid reached 99 shopkeepers, 15 house owners and 22 tenants.

The flash flood, caused by the sudden overflow of the Son Khad near Dharampur bus stand, inflicted severe damage on public infrastructure and private property. Roads are being cleared with JCBs and departmental machinery, while silt removal at the bus stand continues. A joint team of 44 personnel from SDRF, NDRF and local police is searching for missing persons using drone technology.

The disaster hit transport infrastructure hard. HRTC Mandi Divisional Manager Uttam Singh reported damage to 20 buses and losses worth Rs 33 lakh in depot inventory. Floodwaters also contaminated a 20,000-litre fuel pump containing 15,000 litres of diesel. Cleanup and fuel recovery are underway with support from Indian Oil.

The HPSEB suffered losses exceeding Rs 4.6 crore. Heavy rainfall damaged transmission lines, transformers, poles and six departmental vehicles, while civil infrastructure such as substations, yards and storage facilities took a Rs 2.25 crore hit. Despite access challenges, restoration teams are working round-the-clock to restore power.

Amid ongoing rain and blocked roads, the administration’s priority remains swift relief distribution, rapid restoration of services and uninterrupted public support for those affected by the calamity.