The annual Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district turned tragic after torrential rains and landslides wreaked havoc, leaving at least 10 pilgrims dead and four others missing, reported ANI. Seven people have been injured in the disaster.
According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), continuous rainfall between August 24 and 26 caused road blockages and stranded thousands of devotees along high-altitude trekking routes and near swollen streams.
“Once the weather cleared, rescue teams launched extensive operations to bring the pilgrims to safety. So far, about 6,000 pilgrims have been rescued and shifted to Chamba,” said DC Rana, Special Secretary, SDMA.
Helicopter sorties were pressed into service to airlift the sick and those suffering from hypothermia and oxygen deficiency. Several rescued pilgrims are undergoing treatment at Chamba Medical College.
While the Chamba-Pathankot highway has been restored and mobile connectivity partially resumed, the Chamba-Bharmour route remains blocked due to multiple landslides. Rescue efforts are continuing, with SDRF, NDRF, and local mountain rescue teams on the ground.
Langar committees and local eateries are providing food and shelter, while extra teams have been deployed to evacuate those stranded along foot trails.
So far this monsoon, Himachal Pradesh has recorded 164 rain-related deaths, with 40 people still missing. The SDMA has pegged losses at Rs 2,700 crore.
The yatra, which traditionally concludes tomorrow, will see Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visiting the affected areas to oversee relief operations.
*With ANI inputs
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