Agarkar & Co. Slated To Meet In Mumbai To Select Indias Squads For White-ball Games Against SA
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: The senior mens selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is scheduled to convene in Mumbai on Sunday to select Indias squads for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa, said sources to IANS. Agarkar, along with RP Singh and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, were in Guwahati on Saturday to attend day one of the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. But IANS understands that the trio left for Mumbai from Guwahati on Sunday for the selection committee meeting at the BCCI headquarters. Yes, the selection meeting is today in Mumbai, after being initially presumed that it would happen in Guwahati. It is understood that other members are also travelling to Mumbai for it, further said the sources. Following the conclusion of the two-match Test series, India will play against South Africa in three ODIs, to be played in Ranchi, Raipur and Visakhapatnam and five T20Is set to take place in Cuttack, New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad. The discussion in the Agarkar-led panel is expected to centre a lot on who could lead the side for the ODI series against the Proteas. Theres a leadership vacuum in the 50-over set-up as captain Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are unavailable due to neck and spleen injuries. With Gill also consulting Mumbai-based spinal surgeon Dr Abhay Nene for his neck injury recovery, it also puts him as a doubtful starter for the T20Is against South Africa, starting on December 9. IANS understands that theres a leadership toss-up between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, with more discussions expected to happen in the selection committees meeting. Rahul has led India previously in ODIs and was the captain when the side beat South Africa in the 50-over series in 2023. Pant, on the other hand, is captaining India in the ongoing second Test in Guwahati, but hasnt been a first-choice starter in the 50-over set-up due to Rahuls presence. In Gills absence, Yashasvi Jaiswal could partner with Rohit Sharma at the top. IANS understands that theres a leadership toss-up between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, with more discussions expected to happen in the selection committees meeting. Rahul has led India previously in ODIs and was the captain when the side beat South Africa in the 50-over series in 2023. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For the T20I series against the Proteas, barring Gill, the majority of the squad is likely to be on the expected lines. It would be interesting to see if Hardik Pandya is included, with the seam-bowling all-rounder on rehab mode for a quad injury recovery at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru. Article Source: IANS
Tejas crash in Dubai: IAF pilots village in Himachal mourns a life lost too soon
Dharamsala: For the people of Patiyalkar, a sleepy village in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district, the news of the death of local hero Namansh Syal the IAF Wing Commander killed after a Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Saturday, November 22 is yet to sink in. For Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
DHARAMSALA/HAMIRPUR, Nov 22: For the people of Patiyalkar, a sleepy village in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district, the news of the death of local hero Namansh Syal the IAF Wing Commander killed after a Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Saturday is yet to sink in. For most of them, Namansh, who was in his mid-30s, remains an outstanding athlete distinguished by his dedication to the country, who even set an [] The post Tejas crash: Patriot, outstanding athlete, IAF pilots village in Himachal mourns a life lost too soon appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Nortje Returns To South Africa Squad For T20Is Against India, Hermann Included For ODIs
South Africa T20I: Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has returned to South Africas squad for the T20I series against India, to be held from December 9-19, while batter Rubin Hermann has earned a callup for the ODI leg of the tour taking place from November 30 to December 6. Nortje, 32, last turned out for South Africa in the 2024 Mens T20 World Cup final against India in Barbados in June 2024. The fast bowler returned to competitive cricket through the CSA T20 Challenge with the Dolphins, after having fully recovered from a stress reaction injury that sidelined him from the Proteas trips to Zimbabwe, Australia, and England. Of course, well miss KG (Kagiso Rabada) on this tour, but as we saw in the first Test win over India, this group has depth and that is one of our primary goals as a squad; to develop a unit filled with players who can step up at any time. Every time someone is unavailable, it opens the door for another player to stand up. We want to see more players stand up as we have been seeing so often over the past couple of years. It's also really good to welcome Anrich back into the T20I side after he missed the previous tours through injury. We know exactly what he brings, so were really looking forward to working with him, said head coach Shukri Conrad in a statement. Wicketkeeper-batter Hermann, meanwhile, made his ODI debut against Pakistan earlier this month. Temba Bavuma will lead the side in the ODI series against India to be played in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam. Aiden Markram returns to captain the T20I side for the series to be played in Cuttack, New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad, with David Miller also back in the set-up and Ryan Rickelton finding no place. Were really looking forward to this white-ball tour for so many reasons. The T20I series in particular is an important opportunity for us to finalise our squad ahead of next years T20 World Cup, which will also be played in India. Getting clarity on combinations and roles now is crucial as we build towards that tournament. In the 50-over format, these matches will give us a clear picture of where we are as a group and what we need to keep building on as we shape the squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup, added Conrad. Were really looking forward to this white-ball tour for so many reasons. The T20I series in particular is an important opportunity for us to finalise our squad ahead of next years T20 World Cup, which will also be played in India. Getting clarity on combinations and roles now is crucial as we build towards that tournament. Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa T20I squad: Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, and Tristan Stubbs. Article Source: IANS
NSUI Files Police Complaint Against MLA Sudhir Sharma for Remark on HP CM
Hamirpur NSUI demands FIR against Dharamsala MLA for disrespectful comment targeting Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Major avalanche hit Himachal Pradesh's Dharamsala, watch video
A massive avalanche hit the snow-covered Dhauladhar Hills in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, early Friday. A video of the incident captured by PTI news agency is now going viral which shows a large chunk of snow cascading down the mountains.
Ahmedabad Diary | CR Patil in BJPs national president post race?
Speculation is rife in Gujarats political circles as BJP leader and Union Water Resources Minister CR Patil emerges as a contender for the partys national president post. Patils presence alongside Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent Surat visit has fuelled buzz among party workers, who believe his elevation would boost Gujarats clout after PM Narendra Modi and Shah. With JP Naddas term ending, Patils consistent electoral success in Gujarat, strong internal party grip, and close ties with top leadership strengthen his prospects. Enthusiasm is high in Navsari, where workers see this as Gujarats rising dominance in national politics. Viral clip sparks political storm in Gujarat BJP A leaked audio clip allegedly featuring Gujarat BJP chief C.R. Patil and Amreli MLA, Assembly Deputy Dandak Kaushik Vekaria, has ignited political turmoil in Saurashtra. Vekaria, already under scrutiny in the Amreli letter scandal, is heard discussing internal matters with Patil. In the clip, Patil reportedly scolds Vekaria for ignoring his calls and warns, A fort doesnt fall at once; it crumbles gradually. I raised you, but if you dont take care, there will be trouble you have many enemies. However there is no proof about the authenticity of the clip but it definitely has intensified factional rifts within the party, creating a fresh challenge for the BJP leadership. When a politician came clean about his lies In a sensational revelation, BJP leader Prithviraj Patel of Idar, Gujarat, publicly admitted to spreading false propaganda in 1995 against Congress Leader Karsandana Sasoneri, falsely claiming he owned a hotel in Goa, which led to Sasoneris election defeat. Speaking at a retirement ceremony, Patel also attacked Dharamsala member Ramana Lavo Rao, accusing him of planning to build a hotel without selling land worth `13 crore. Patel confessed mistakes are part of politics and discipline needed to win elections. Ironically, while Patel later downplayed his words, his candid confession went viral. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
10 pilgrims dead, eight missing, 6,000 devotees evacuated amid Manimahesh Yatra disaster
CHANDIGARH: Ten pilgrims have died, and eight are missing in the ongoing Manimahesh Yatra, which was suspended on Monday due to heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods. Around 6,000 devotees stranded in the Bharmour region have been safely evacuated to Nurpur and Pathankot from Kalsuin. Meanwhile, Dharamsala and McLeodganj are facing a water crisis as the water level at the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark. The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has also been blocked again due to landslides. Sources report that seven rescue teams, comprising police personnel, home guards, volunteers, NCC cadets, local residents, and civil officers, have been deployed to aid in the rescue operations. The devotees, who had trekked approximately 14 km from the district headquarters to reach Kalsuin, were then transported by 39 buses and 25 taxis to Chamba and Nurpur. Authorities have arranged additional buses to evacuate the remaining pilgrims, with 40 more buses requested. To assist the evacuees, arrangements for food and shelter have been made in Chamba, with community kitchens (langars) set up in Kalsui, Dharwala, and Dakhog to provide meals to the stranded devotees. Despite the debris being cleared from the Kalsui-Rakh road, heavy vehicles cannot pass, making the road unsuitable for large-scale movement. Due to the heavy rains and subsequent flash floods, roads were washed away, and communication links were severed, leading to the deaths of ten devotees and leaving eight others missing en route to the Manimahesh Yatra. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-hit areas in Bharmour, Manimahesh, and other regions of Chamba district, as well as Fatehpur and Mand in Kangra district, following the excess water release from the Pong Dam. However, the adverse weather conditions prevented his helicopter from landing in Bharmour. The Chief Minister held a meeting with district administration officials in Chamba and instructed them to expedite the relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. He also stressed the importance of ensuring adequate arrangements for food, water, shelter, and other essential amenities for those stranded. Sukhu visited Kalsuin to oversee the transportation arrangements and interacted with the devotees. He said, The buses have been arranged for the devotees at Kalsuin near Chamba from where they could board the same for going towards Nurpur and Pathankot. He also directed officials to quickly restore the Salooni-Khundimaral road to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims, particularly those coming from Jammu's Kishtwar and Doda districts. Sukhu added that the State Governments pre-emptive measures had helped reduce the loss of lives compared to the devastation in 2023. However, the scale of destruction this year was far greater, with widespread damage to roads, electricity, water supply, and communication services. This year, the entire state has been hit by the destruction attributed to incessant rains, landslides, and cloud bursts. The rehabilitation is a challenge, but with the support of the people, we will overcome it courageously. It is our responsibility to rehabilitate the families who have been rendered homeless, lost all means of livelihood, and we will offer a special relief package to support them, he said. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the situation was being closely monitored by key government officials. Speaker of Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh are reviewing the situation on the ground, Sukhu said, highlighting the humanitarian approach being adopted by the government. He mentioned that, Revenue Minister Negi has proceeded for Bharmour on foot from Chamba. This demonstrates that the present government has adopted a humanitarian approach and was sensitively dealing with the crisis. Regarding road restoration, Sukhu mentioned that heavy machinery, including JCBs and poclains, has been deployed in the district. However, the weather has posed significant challenges to the relief and restoration works. The evacuation of those stranded in Bharmour is also dependent on favourable weather conditions, although helicopters have been deployed for this purpose. The Chief Minister also called for a study to determine the underlying reasons for the frequent occurrence of cloud bursts in the state, citing global warming and climate change as major contributors. We must dig deep to tackle this problem effectively and save valuable lives, he stressed. Before departing for Bharmour, Sukhu inquired about the relief and rehabilitation operations in Kangra district from the Deputy Commissioner, Hemraj Bairwa, following excess water release from Pong Dam. Meanwhile, the water level in the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark at 1,391.28 feet, slightly above the permissible limit of 1,390 feet. The inflow was recorded at 160,276 cusecs, and the outflow was 84,952 cusecs, of which 17,079 cusecs were released through turbines, and 67,873 cusecs through spillways. At the MHC, the discharge stood at 11,500 cusecs, and 73,452 cusecs were released downstream at the Shah Nehar Barrage, with six machines operational at the dam. The water shortage in Dharamsala and McLeodganj is also a growing concern, as several water supply schemes were disrupted due to heavy rainfall, which caused landslides and damaged pipelines. The main supply line from the Naddi water treatment plant to Dharamsala was damaged due to land subsidence, affecting several distribution networks. The Gajj Khadd scheme, one of the major sources of water for the city, has been non-functional for over a month, and both the Naddi-Bhatehad and Bhagsunag schemes were also disrupted, further affecting the water supply to large parts of the city. Once again, the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been blocked between Mandi and Kullu due to a massive landslide, just a day after it was reopened following a four-day closure. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed its workforce and heavy machinery to clear the blockage, but the disruption has left vehicles and tourists stranded. A flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall was reported at Katwadhi village under the Nandi Panchayat of Gohar subdivision in Mandi district. The sudden surge of water in the Naseni Nallah caused significant damage to local infrastructure, although fortunately, no loss of human life has been reported. As of this morning, 557 roads, including three national highways, remain closed for traffic. Of these, 213 are in Mandi district, 160 in Kullu, 28 in Shimla, 38 in Sirmaur, 60 in Kangra, 23 in Una, 14 in Lahaul and Spiti, 11 in Solan, and 9 in Bilaspur district. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, 936 power supply transformers and 223 water supply schemes have also been disrupted across the state. In Shimla, two individuals, Hemant and Pyare Lal, were injured after their houses were damaged by landslides in Thala village in Rampur Subdivision. Both were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
10 pilgrims dead, eight missing, 5,000 devotees evacuated amid Manimahesh Yatra disaster
CHANDIGARH: Ten pilgrims have died, and eight are missing in the ongoing Manimahesh Yatra, which was suspended on Monday due to heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods. Around 5,000 devotees stranded in the Bharmour region have been safely evacuated to Nurpur and Pathankot from Kalsuin. Meanwhile, Dharamsala and McLeodganj are facing a water crisis as the water level at the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark. The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has also been blocked again due to landslides. Sources report that seven rescue teams, comprising police personnel, home guards, volunteers, NCC cadets, local residents, and civil officers, have been deployed to aid in the rescue operations. The devotees, who had trekked approximately 14 km from the district headquarters to reach Kalsuin, were then transported by 39 buses and 25 taxis to Chamba and Nurpur. Authorities have arranged additional buses to evacuate the remaining pilgrims, with 40 more buses requested. To assist the evacuees, arrangements for food and shelter have been made in Chamba, with community kitchens (langars) set up in Kalsui, Dharwala, and Dakhog to provide meals to the stranded devotees. Despite the debris being cleared from the Kalsui-Rakh road, heavy vehicles cannot pass, making the road unsuitable for large-scale movement. Due to the heavy rains and subsequent flash floods, roads were washed away, and communication links were severed, leading to the deaths of ten devotees and leaving eight others missing en route to the Manimahesh Yatra. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-hit areas in Bharmour, Manimahesh, and other regions of Chamba district, as well as Fatehpur and Mand in Kangra district, following the excess water release from the Pong Dam. However, the adverse weather conditions prevented his helicopter from landing in Bharmour. The Chief Minister held a meeting with district administration officials in Chamba and instructed them to expedite the relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. He also stressed the importance of ensuring adequate arrangements for food, water, shelter, and other essential amenities for those stranded. Sukhu visited Kalsuin to oversee the transportation arrangements and interacted with the devotees. He said, The buses have been arranged for the devotees at Kalsuin near Chamba from where they could board the same for going towards Nurpur and Pathankot. He also directed officials to quickly restore the Salooni-Khundimaral road to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims, particularly those coming from Jammu's Kishtwar and Doda districts. Sukhu added that the State Governments pre-emptive measures had helped reduce the loss of lives compared to the devastation in 2023. However, the scale of destruction this year was far greater, with widespread damage to roads, electricity, water supply, and communication services. This year, the entire state has been hit by the destruction attributed to incessant rains, landslides, and cloud bursts. The rehabilitation is a challenge, but with the support of the people, we will overcome it courageously. It is our responsibility to rehabilitate the families who have been rendered homeless, lost all means of livelihood, and we will offer a special relief package to support them, he said. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the situation was being closely monitored by key government officials. Speaker of Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh are reviewing the situation on the ground, Sukhu said, highlighting the humanitarian approach being adopted by the government. He mentioned that, Revenue Minister Negi has proceeded for Bharmour on foot from Chamba. This demonstrates that the present government has adopted a humanitarian approach and was sensitively dealing with the crisis. Regarding road restoration, Sukhu mentioned that heavy machinery, including JCBs and poclains, has been deployed in the district. However, the weather has posed significant challenges to the relief and restoration works. The evacuation of those stranded in Bharmour is also dependent on favourable weather conditions, although helicopters have been deployed for this purpose. The Chief Minister also called for a study to determine the underlying reasons for the frequent occurrence of cloud bursts in the state, citing global warming and climate change as major contributors. We must dig deep to tackle this problem effectively and save valuable lives, he stressed. Before departing for Bharmour, Sukhu inquired about the relief and rehabilitation operations in Kangra district from the Deputy Commissioner, Hemraj Bairwa, following excess water release from Pong Dam. Meanwhile, the water level in the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark at 1,391.28 feet, slightly above the permissible limit of 1,390 feet. The inflow was recorded at 160,276 cusecs, and the outflow was 84,952 cusecs, of which 17,079 cusecs were released through turbines, and 67,873 cusecs through spillways. At the MHC, the discharge stood at 11,500 cusecs, and 73,452 cusecs were released downstream at the Shah Nehar Barrage, with six machines operational at the dam. The water shortage in Dharamsala and McLeodganj is also a growing concern, as several water supply schemes were disrupted due to heavy rainfall, which caused landslides and damaged pipelines. The main supply line from the Naddi water treatment plant to Dharamsala was damaged due to land subsidence, affecting several distribution networks. The Gajj Khadd scheme, one of the major sources of water for the city, has been non-functional for over a month, and both the Naddi-Bhatehad and Bhagsunag schemes were also disrupted, further affecting the water supply to large parts of the city. Once again, the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been blocked between Mandi and Kullu due to a massive landslide, just a day after it was reopened following a four-day closure. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed its workforce and heavy machinery to clear the blockage, but the disruption has left vehicles and tourists stranded. A flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall was reported at Katwadhi village under the Nandi Panchayat of Gohar subdivision in Mandi district. The sudden surge of water in the Naseni Nallah caused significant damage to local infrastructure, although fortunately, no loss of human life has been reported. As of this morning, 557 roads, including three national highways, remain closed for traffic. Of these, 213 are in Mandi district, 160 in Kullu, 28 in Shimla, 38 in Sirmaur, 60 in Kangra, 23 in Una, 14 in Lahaul and Spiti, 11 in Solan, and 9 in Bilaspur district. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, 936 power supply transformers and 223 water supply schemes have also been disrupted across the state. In Shimla, two individuals, Hemant and Pyare Lal, were injured after their houses were damaged by landslides in Thala village in Rampur Subdivision. Both were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Matthew Hayden recounted the unsettling experience during the IPL 2025 when India-Pakistan tensions led to airspace closures and heightened security. Commentators were briefed about potential emergency evacuations due to drone threats, leading to a sudden stadium evacuation during a match. Hayden highlighted the IPL's resilience in the face of various challenges throughout its history.
Himachal rains: Three dead, one injured as sudden downpour triggers flood in Mandi
CHANDIGARH: At least three people have died and one injured missing in Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rain overnight. More than 20 vehicles have been submerged and around two dozen houses partially damaged; the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, Chandigarh-Dharamsala, Mandi-Pathankot and Shimla-Mataur highways have been blocked. Sources said that a flash flood struck Mandi district early Tuesday morning. Four members of a family had reportedly come out of their house in the wee hours to shift their vehicle to a safer place, but were swept away in the sudden flood; three have been confirmed dead, while one person suffered a fracture and has been admitted to a local hospital. The incident occured on Jail Road Tungal colony in Mandi town as Sukati nullah overflowed due to sudden heavy rains and caused widespread destruction. The water entered several locations in about five-kilometer area besides the Jail Road, Saini Mohalla and Zonal hospital area. The flashflood washed away dozens of parked vehicles, while muck and debris entered homes and damaged property. Locals were caught off guard by the sudden rise in water levels. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing; teams of SDRF, volunteers and district administration are engaged in clearing debris and are trying to locate the missing person. Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorva Devgan said that rescue operations are in full swing and about 15 to 20 people have been rescued. The victims were attempting to move their vehicles to safer locations when they were washed away along with their vehicles. The body of one person was found stuck in an auto-rickshaw, he added. Devgan said that more than dozen people trapped inside their houses were rescued. The rescue teams had to break window panes and doors to rescue them as their houses were filled with mud and silt, he said. The flash floods triggered landslides, blocking the Chandigarh-Manali NH at multiple points, specifically at 4 Miles, 9 Miles near Pandoh and Dwada. Also, the Mandi-Pathankot highway is blocked due to a landslide at the Lavandi Bridge near Jogindernagar. Many other interior roads in the district have also been blocked due to landslides and water-logging. A massive landslide triggered by incessant rains blocked the National Highway near Kangra, cutting off the only main road access to Dharamsala, McLeodganj and surrounding areas. Landslides also blocked the Shimla-Mataur National Highway at Old Kangra Ghat and reports of uprooting of trees and electricity have also poured from several parts of the state. The Met office had issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated areas of Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Tuesday. It also issued a yellow warning of heavy rains at isolated places in Chamba, Shimla and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday, and Una, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Wednesday. Since the start of the monsoon season this year from June 20 till July 28, the hill state has suffered a loss of Rs 1523 crore. So far 90 people have died and 35 have gone missing in rain-related incidents and 1320 houses have been fully or partially damaged in the state. A total of 200 roads, including 121 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, were closed for vehicular traffic on Monday night. 62 power distribution transformers and 110 water supply schemes have also been affected across the state, as per the State Emergency Operation Centre. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths
Himachal rains: Two dead, one missing as sudden downpour triggers flood in Mandi
CHANDIGARH: At least three people have died and one person has gone missing in Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rain overnight. More than 20 vehicles have been submerged and around two dozen houses partially damaged; the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, Chandigarh-Dharamsala, Mandi-Pathankot and Shimla-Mataur highways have been blocked. Sources said that a flash flood struck Mandi district early Tuesday morning. Four members of a family had reportedly come out of their house in the wee hours to shift their vehicle to a safer place, but were swept away in the sudden flood; the bodies of two persons were recovered, one person is missing, while another person suffered a fracture and has been admitted to a local hospital. The incident occured on Jail Road Tungal colony in Mandi town as Sukati nullah overflowed due to sudden heavy rains and caused widespread destruction. The water entered several locations in about five-kilometer area besides the Jail Road, Saini Mohalla and Zonal hospital area. The flashflood washed away dozens of parked vehicles, while muck and debris entered homes and damaged property. Locals were caught off guard by the sudden rise in water levels. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing; teams of SDRF, volunteers and district administration are engaged in clearing debris and are trying to locate the missing person. Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorva Devgan said that rescue operations are in full swing and about 15 to 20 people have been rescued, while one missing person is yet to be located. The victims were attempting to move their vehicles to safer locations when they were washed away along with their vehicles. The body of one person was found stuck in an auto-rickshaw, he added. Devgan said that more than dozen people trapped inside their houses were rescued. The rescue teams had to break window panes and doors to rescue them as their houses were filled with mud and silt, he said. The flash floods triggered landslides, blocking the Chandigarh-Manali NH at multiple points, specifically at 4 Miles, 9 Miles near Pandoh and Dwada. Also, the Mandi-Pathankot highway is blocked due to a landslide at the Lavandi Bridge near Jogindernagar. Many other interior roads in the district have also been blocked due to landslides and water-logging. A massive landslide triggered by incessant rains blocked the National Highway near Kangra, cutting off the only main road access to Dharamsala, McLeodganj and surrounding areas. Landslides also blocked the Shimla-Mataur National Highway at Old Kangra Ghat and reports of uprooting of trees and electricity have also poured from several parts of the state. The Met office had issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated areas of Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Tuesday. It also issued a yellow warning of heavy rains at isolated places in Chamba, Shimla and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday, and Una, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Wednesday. Since the start of the monsoon season this year from June 20 till July 28, the hill state has suffered a loss of Rs 1523 crore. So far 90 people have died and 35 have gone missing in rain-related incidents and 1320 houses have been fully or partially damaged in the state. A total of 200 roads, including 121 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, were closed for vehicular traffic on Monday night. 62 power distribution transformers and 110 water supply schemes have also been affected across the state, as per the State Emergency Operation Centre. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths
