In the serene hills of Himachal Pradesh, a heartbreaking tragedy is unfolding as relentless rains have triggered devastating landslides and cloudbursts, snuffing out the lives of over 46 people and uprooting entire communities. The vibrant villages, once filled with laughter and life, now lie buried under rubble and despair, leaving families to grapple with unimaginable loss. Mothers mourn their children, and fathers search for loved ones amid the chaos, their hopes dimming with each passing hour.

Heavy rainfall since July 31, 2024, has triggered multiple landslides and cloudbursts across various districts, including Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement of communities, and extensive damage to infrastructure.

As the situation grows increasingly desperate, Caritas India, alongside local organizations, Manav Vikas Samity (MVS), a Diocesan Social Service Society of Shimla-Chandigarh, conducted a field visit to assess the situation and plan for relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The assessment team visited the landslide-affected villages in Mandi, Kullu, and Shimla districts on August 19th and 21st, 2024. The team, comprising Fr Antony Fernandes (Associate Director, Caritas India), Dr Jaison Varghese (Caritas India), Sr Bincy (Director, MVS), Sr. Athulya (MVS), and members of local panchayats and teachers, observed the extent of the damage and identified the immediate needs of the affected communities.

In the village of Rajban, located in the Dhamchyan Gram Panchayat of Mandi district, the team found that a massive landslide on the night of July 30, 2024, had caused havoc. Ten people lost their lives, including four children below the age of 10 and two women. Three houses were washed away, and 15 others were partially or fully damaged. The affected families are currently staying with relatives in the same or adjacent hamlets, as there are no proper relief centers in the villages.

The assessment team also visited the affected areas in Samej, a village in the Sarapara Gram Panchayat, which falls under both the Shimla and Kullu districts. Here, 36 people, including eight school children, lost their lives. The affected population includes migrant workers from Jharkhand and Rajasthan. The disaster has caused extensive damage, with 25 houses being fully destroyed and the Government Higher Secondary School in Samej partially damaged.

The state government has provided immediate relief, including Rs. 150,000 to each affected family and three months’ worth of dry ration. NGOs such as Sanjeevani, Art of Living, and Chirag have also extended support by providing cash transfers, food items, tarpaulin, uniforms, bags, and school supplies.
However, the affected families still face significant challenges. Those who lost their homes are now living in rented houses with limited facilities, and many have lost their income sources, such as cattle, cattle sheds, and agricultural plots. The micro hydel project units established in the villages were also washed away.

Caritas India and Manav Vikas Samity have identified the immediate needs of the affected communities, including food kits for children, winter clothes, hygiene kits, kitchen utensils, and rental support for displaced families. The organizations have also outlined medium and long-term plans for livelihood support, disaster preparedness measures, and the construction of resilient infrastructures.

As the state grapples with the aftermath of these devastating events, it is crucial that the affected communities receive the necessary support and resources to rebuild their lives. Caritas India and its partners remain committed to standing with the people of Himachal Pradesh during this challenging time.