Himachal Pradesh Floods:
The recent torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh have caused severe devastation, with floods, landslides, and cloudbursts claiming the lives of 78 people. Mandi district, in particular, bore the brunt of the natural disaster. Among the tragic stories emerging from the region is that of an 11-month-old baby girl, Nikita, who miraculously survived the calamity.
On the night of June 30, Nikita’s family was trying to protect their home from rising water when the ground beneath them gave way. The landslide struck swiftly, sweeping away her parents, Radha Devi and Ramesh Kumar, as well as her grandmother, Poonam Devi. However, Nikita was inside the house, sleeping peacefully, completely unaware of the tragedy that had befallen her family.
Around 2 AM, neighbors who lived on higher ground ventured down to the family’s house, fearing the worst. To their shock, they found little Nikita safe and unharmed, lying alone in the house. Despite the traumatic loss of her immediate family, the baby girl survived the disaster.
Family’s Loss and Ongoing Search
While Nikita’s father, Ramesh, was later discovered buried under the rubble, her mother and grandmother remain missing. Rescue teams, including drones and sniffer dogs, continue to search for the bodies in the affected areas of Mandi. The National and State Disaster Response Forces, along with the Army and local officials, are conducting extensive operations to locate the missing.
Community’s Support and Plans for the Future
Nikita’s story has touched many hearts, and there have been offers to adopt her. However, her aunt, Tara Devi, has vowed to raise her, saying, “We won’t give her away. We will raise her with love and care.” The community’s support and compassion towards Nikita provide a ray of hope amidst the grief.
Extensive Damage and Relief Efforts
The floods have caused an estimated loss of ₹700 crore in Himachal Pradesh. The state government has launched a relief plan worth ₹891 crore to aid in recovery and disaster preparedness. Despite the devastation, the people of Himachal Pradesh are showing incredible resilience and unity in the face of these natural calamities.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the need for greater disaster preparedness in the region.
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