Cloudburst wreaks havoc in Himachal Pradesh: 413 Kinner Kailash pilgrims rescued by ITBP; daring rope-bridge op hailed

NEW DELHI: A massive rescue operation was launched by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) after a flash flood struck the Tangling area along the Kinner Kailash Yatra route, stranding hundreds of pilgrims on the treacherous mountain trail.A total of 413 pilgrims were rescued by ITBP personnel from the 17th Battalion using a rope-based traverse crossing technique, a high-risk method often employed in high-altitude emergencies. The operation was led by a Gazetted Officer, assisted by four subordinate officers and 29 other ranks, in coordination with a 14-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team.The flash flood, triggered by intense rainfall in the upper reaches, cut off the narrow and steep path used by devotees participating in the revered Kinner Kailash Yatra. Many of those rescued had been stranded for hours in challenging weather conditions.

Weather warnings across hill stateThe IMD has said that light to moderate rainfall across most districts and intense to very intense rainfall may occure in parts of Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Mandi.Meanwhile, heavy and continuous downpour has disrupted normal life in Shimla, prompting widespread school closures.

Authorities in six subdivisions—Chopal, Kumarsain, Rampur, Sunni, Jubbal, and Theog—have shut all educational institutions, including government and private schools, colleges, ITIs, and Anganwadis, under the Disaster Management Act.The closures follow nonstop rainfall since midnight, which raised the risk of landslides and flash floods. In several subdivisions, local officials issued orders urging staff to follow standard operating procedures and remain on alert.Monsoon toll: 194According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the state has suffered 194 fatalities and cumulative losses of Rs 1,85,251.98 lakh between June 20 and August 5 this year due to monsoon-related disasters.Of the total deaths, 108 were directly caused by rain-triggered incidents like landslides, flash floods, and building collapses.(With agency inputs)