Heavy rain causes river to swell, excavators deployed for rescue operations in northern India
by Aditi VermaAfter intense rainfall led to a significant rise in river levels in northern India’s Himachal Pradesh , JCB machines have been mobilized to assist in the evacuation of people stranded in the affected areas. Emergency efforts are underway to ensure the safety and swift removal of those trapped by the floodwaters.
The incident took place at Marakanda River in Nahan, a town in the Sirmaur district and the video went viral on August 12.
Visuals showed after continuous heavy rainfall, a river has experienced a substantial increase in water flow, leading to severe flooding. To address the situation, JCB machines have been brought in to facilitate the rescue operations. In the visual scene, the river, swollen with murky, turbulent waters, stretches out dramatically. Amidst the chaos, a JCB machine maneuvers carefully through the floodwaters. People, who have been stranded due to the rising river, are seen climbing into the bucket of the JCB. The machine moves steadily through the high water, carrying the individuals to a safe, dry area away from the danger zone.
The picturesque town of Nahan in Himachal Pradesh is grappling with escalating flood threats due to unprecedented heavy rainfall. The Marakanda River, which flows through the region, has seen a significant rise in its water level, prompting local authorities to issue a warning to residents. The increased water level has raised concerns of potential flooding in nearby areas, leading to an advisory for people to stay away from the riverbanks.
The relentless rainfall has disrupted normal life across various parts of Himachal Pradesh, with over 250 roads closed and connectivity severed to five national highways. Reports indicate that several vehicles have been swept away by the floods, and there have been instances of bodies being discovered amidst the deluge. The situation is further compounded by the news of 11 people being carried away by floodwaters in a vehicle near the Himachal-Punjab border, with rescue teams recovering four bodies so far.
In the Una district, the aftermath of the heavy rains has led to significant damage, prompting SDM Jatin Lal to assess the situation. Lal confirmed the recovery of three bodies and reported one missing child. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed to assist with rescue and relief efforts.