Himachal's Mandi Faces Catastrophic Tragedy

• Jul 2, 2025

Devastation in Mandi: Saraj Region Reels Under Massive Tragedy, Over 30 Feared Missing, Hundreds of Homes Damaged

Mandi, Himachal Pradesh | July 2, 2025 —
A major natural disaster has struck the Saraj region of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, leaving behind a trail of unprecedented destruction. Continuous torrential rains over the past several days have triggered massive landslides, flash floods, and mudslides, cutting off entire villages and sweeping away homes, roads, and farmlands.

The worst-hit area is Thunag, a remote part of Saraj constituency, which has become completely disconnected from the rest of the region. Roads have been washed away, power and mobile networks are down, and even basic communication has become nearly impossible.

In a desperate attempt to raise an alert, some local residents climbed surrounding hills and mountains just to get a mobile signal and share visuals of the tragedy. The photos and videos that have emerged from the affected region show a horrifying picture — collapsed houses, water-logged shops, uprooted trees, broken bridges, and entire roads swallowed by landslides.

Casualties and Missing Persons

According to initial reports from local sources, more than 30 people are currently missing, feared buried under rubble or washed away by flash floods. Rescue teams have recovered over 8 bodies so far, and the death toll is expected to rise as more areas become accessible.

Local villagers have joined forces with emergency services in search and rescue operations. However, their efforts have been severely hampered by the non-stop rainfall, lack of machinery, and blocked access routes.

Widespread Property Damage

The scale of property damage is staggering. It is estimated that over 400 homes, shops, and small establishments have been either completely destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. Many families are now homeless, taking shelter under makeshift tarpaulins, waiting for government assistance.

Agricultural fields, the main source of income for many in Saraj, have been entirely submerged or washed away, further compounding the hardship of the local population.

MLA Jai Ram Thakur Seeks Urgent Intervention

Local MLA and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, who represents the Saraj constituency, has raised an urgent appeal to the current Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, requesting immediate disaster response and emergency relief operations in the region.

In a press statement, Thakur said:

“This is one of the most devastating tragedies we’ve ever witnessed in Saraj. Entire villages are cut off, people are stranded without food, shelter, or communication. I strongly urge the Hon’ble CM to deploy helicopters for evacuation and rush NDRF teams and relief materials without any delay.”

Appeal for Helicopter Rescue Operations

Due to the terrain and heavy destruction, it is impossible to reach many areas by road. Locals and leaders have unanimously demanded aerial surveys and helicopter rescue operations to evacuate stranded residents and deliver food, medicine, and essential supplies.

Helicopter deployment has become a critical need, especially for rescuing the elderly, women, and children stuck in remote, inaccessible hill pockets.

Government Response and Relief Measures

As of now, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) is working with local police and administration to mobilize rescue operations, temporary shelters, and medical aid. The Chief Minister is expected to conduct an aerial survey of the affected zones and announce a relief package shortly.

Several NGOs and volunteer groups have also started mobilizing food packets, blankets, and medicines, but the scale of the disaster demands stronger and faster intervention.

A Plea for National Attention

This disaster has once again highlighted the fragile infrastructure and climate vulnerability of the Himalayan region. Climate experts say that unregulated construction, deforestation, and rising rainfall intensity are making such calamities more frequent and deadly.

Citizens and leaders are urging both the state and central governments to declare this a national-level disaster and release emergency funds to aid recovery and reconstruction.

This is a Developing Story

Authorities continue to assess the situation, and updates are expected as relief workers gain more access. Our thoughts remain with the families who have lost loved ones and all those fighting for survival in the devastated hills of Mandi.