11-Month-Old Baby Miraculously Survives Himachal Flash Floods That Swept Away Her Family

Last Updated:July 07, 2025, 13:43 IST

Neighbours, who lived on higher ground, made their way down to the family's home around 2 am, fearing the worst.

Neighbours, who lived on higher ground, made their way down to the family's home around 2 am, fearing the worst.

In a heart-wrenching yet miraculous incident from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, an 11-month-old baby girl named Nikita survived devastating flash floods and a landslide that claimed the lives of her entire immediate family. The tragedy struck around 1am on June 30, in the Seraj Assembly constituency, when her father Ramesh Kumar, mother Radha Devi, and grandmother Poonam Devi stepped out of their home to divert rainwater that had started gushing into the house amid torrential rainfall.

As the three tried to redirect the overflowing water, a sudden landslide swept them away. Back inside the house, baby Nikita—fast asleep—remained untouched by the disaster, oblivious to the tragedy that had unfolded outside. Her father’s body was later found buried under debris, while search operations are still underway for her mother and grandmother. Officials from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) continue to comb through the area, battling difficult terrain and ongoing weather threats.

Neighbours, who lived on higher ground, made their way down to the family’s home around 2 am, fearing the worst. They were stunned to find only the baby, unharmed and alone. Nikita’s uncle recounted how their own efforts to reach the house were delayed because of the high water levels. Once the flooding receded, a search was launched, leading to the discovery of Ramesh’s body, while the rest of the family remains missing.

The tragedy has resonated across the region, sparking an outpouring of emotion and offers of help. Dozens of people, moved by Nikita’s survival story, have contacted the local administration expressing interest in adopting her. However, her paternal aunt Tara Devi, who is now taking care of her, has made it clear: “We won’t give her away. We will raise her."

Smritika Negi, the SDM of Gohar (holding additional charge), confirmed the growing public interest in Nikita’s welfare. “She’s a lovely child," Negi said, adding that she makes time to visit and spend moments with the baby during her official rounds.

Abhro Banerjee

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...Read More

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...

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Location :

Mandi, India, India

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News india 11-Month-Old Baby Miraculously Survives Himachal Flash Floods That Swept Away Her Family