CM Sukhu visited the cloudburst-affected Syathi village in Laungani Panchayat, Dharampur (Mandi district) to meet families impacted by the recent natural calamity. He expressed solidarity with the victims, assured full government support, and reviewed ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The devastating cloudburst affected 61 residents, causing widespread damage to homes, cowsheds, and livestock. The district administration has provided an initial relief package worth ₹1.70 lakh, along with essential supplies like rations and tarpaulins.
Sukhu assured the villagers that all possible help would be extended, including a special relief package for rebuilding damaged houses and enhanced compensation for livestock and structural losses. He also instructed the administration to ensure the best possible care and support for the affected.
During his interaction, residents shared their harrowing experiences, recounting how the village was swept away suddenly, leaving them without land to even erect temporary shelters. CM Sukhu assured that government land would be allocated for shelter construction and, if needed, discussions would be initiated with the Union Government to repurpose nearby forest land.
Inspecting damages along the Mandi-Kotli road, the CM remarked on the scale of destruction caused by unprecedented torrential rains, which triggered 8–10 cloudbursts in one night. He called for a joint Central-State study to understand the causes of such frequent landslides, even in areas with solid geological strata.
Mandi district has suffered significant losses, with 10 confirmed fatalities and 34 individuals still missing. The worst-hit areas include Gohar, Thunag, Jogindernagar, and Karsog. Relief camps have been set up for the displaced, and efforts are ongoing to restore essential services and road connectivity.
MLA Dharampur Chander Shekhar thanked the Chief Minister for his swift response and compassionate outreach. Senior officials, including Kangra Central Cooperative Bank Chairman Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Congress leader Pawan Thakur, and Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, were present during the visit.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
