Devastation Strikes as Cloud Burst Hits Paonta Sahib, Sirmaur: Rescue Operations Underway

Paonta Sahib, August 10: The aftermath of a cloud burst has brought scenes of destruction to the Paonta Sahib sub-district in Sirmaur. As morning broke, teams from the administration and police arrived at the scene. Presently, no traces have been found regarding the whereabouts of five missing individuals, including two innocent children. A search operation has been initiated.

According to information, the administration had informed the NDRF about the incident during the night. Although a team reached the scene on Wednesday morning, the rescue operation could not be commenced. The Ponta Sahib road remained inaccessible until morning. The previous night, over a dozen JCB machines were deployed on the highway for clearance, but the road could not be reopened.

Throughout the night, nearly 170 fortunate residents of the entire area were shifted to safer locations. It has become clear that after the cloud burst, Kuldeep Kumar’s house was engulfed by the water along with five people, including two children. As per the morning’s information, the swift flow of water has caused destruction in 50 to 70 acres of land. The rural population has also suffered damage to their crops.

According to the latest information, local youths and police personnel have initiated a search operation. However, no success has been achieved in the ongoing campaign. It is believed that in the next few hours, a comprehensive assessment of human and material losses will be conducted. DSP Manvendra Thakur of Paonta Sahib stated that nearly 170 people were safely moved to secure locations last night.

Meanwhile, Tehsildar Rishabh Sharma, in conversation with MBM News Network, mentioned that a search operation was initiated around 8:00 AM. He acknowledged that extensive devastation has occurred. Approximately 50 to 70 acres of land have been affected. Responding to queries about assessing the damages, the Tehsildar mentioned that this can only be determined after a proper evaluation.

List of Missing Individuals:

1. Kuldeep Singh (62), son of late Sant Ram, resident of Sirmauri Taal, Paonta Sahib.
2. Jito Devi (55), wife of Kuldeep Singh.
3. Rajni Devi (31), wife of Vinod Kumar.
4. Nitesh (10), son of Vinod Kumar.
5. Deepika (8), daughter of Vinod Kumar.