Daijiworld Media Network - Mandi
Mandi, Jul 8: As torrential rains wreak havoc across Himachal Pradesh, triggering landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, a village dog turned saviour in Mandi district, helping 67 people escape moments before disaster struck.
The incident occurred around midnight on June 30 in Siyathi village, Dharampur area, when a dog sleeping on the second floor of a house began barking and howling incessantly. Alerted by the unusual behavior, homeowner Narendra discovered a large crack in the wall with rainwater seeping in. Realizing the danger, he rushed downstairs, woke up his family and alerted others in the village.
“People left everything behind and ran for safety,” said Narendra. Minutes later, a massive landslide struck, flattening nearly a dozen houses. Today, only four or five homes remain visible—the rest lie buried under debris.
The survivors, now sheltered at Naina Devi temple in Triyambala village, have been struggling with trauma, high blood pressure, and depression. While locals from nearby areas have extended help, the government has provided Rs 10,000 in relief to each affected family.
Himachal Pradesh has been devastated by monsoon fury since June 20, with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) confirming 78 deaths—50 in rain-related tragedies like landslides and cloudbursts, and 28 in road accidents. Mandi remains the worst-hit district, with over 280 roads, including 156 in Mandi alone, blocked due to damage.
The IMD has issued a fresh flash flood alert in 10 districts, warning of more extreme weather in the days to come.