Villager dies, roads damaged as heavy rain pounds Sirmaur

A villager was killed and a bridge washed away as torrential rain continued to lash Sirmaur district since last night. Normal life was disrupted in the Paonta Sahib subdivision as heavy rain caused a significant damage to public property.

Due to increased rainfall, the gates of the Jaton Dam were opened, leading to a sharp rise in the level of rivers and streams, including the Yamuna in Paonta Sahib. In the Amboya area, reports of extensive damage have emerged. After the Bata river, which runs along the Chandigarh-Dehradun highway, started flowing over the old bridge the authorities restricted the traffic to one lane on the new bridge.

Rangi Ram, a 70-year-old man who was staying in a watermill (gharat) at Parduni village, was washed away following a cloudburst near the Amboya area. He was trapped in the flowing debris after the water level in the stream rose suddenly. Rangi Ram could not be saved despite efforts of the local administration and villagers.

The panchayat pradhan said the body of the villager had been recovered. He said several roads had been washed away and floodwater had entered shops and homes.

While a bridge collapsed at Gulabgarh in Paonta Sahib, villagers in Bhagwanpur were forced to evacuate their homes and seek shelter in safer locations.

The continuous downpour has led to widespread damage to infrastructure, particularly roads linking villages. The roads connecting Badri Pur, Jamniwala and Parduni to nearby villages were washed away at multiple points.

Kotri Vyas panchayat Pradhan Suresh said several homes had been damaged and crops were also affected.

The authorities are continuing with rescue and relief operations in the affected areas, but continuous rain is posing a challenge.

The Subdivisional Magistrates concerned had ordered the closure of all educational institutions in Paonta Sahib, Shillai and Kaffota. Twenty-seven roads in the district, including National Highway No. 707, were closed. Dhaula Kuan in Sirmaur district received 275mm rainfall, highest in the state, followed by 165.5mm in Paonta Sahib.

Even as the rain relented in the afternoon, the Weather Department had forecast moderate to light rain, along with thunderstorm, in several districts, including Sirmaur. Meanwhile, Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Sumit Khimta has urged residents to remain cautious and cooperate with the authorities involved in rescue efforts.