Shimla/Dharamshala, Jun 26 (PTI) - Recovery efforts after flash floods in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district have led to the discovery of two more bodies, increasing the death toll to four, officials reported on Thursday. Additional Deputy Magistrate Kangra Shilpa Bekta confirmed the recovery of the bodies, which added to the two that were found on Wednesday. The deceased have been identified as Chain Singh from Jammu and Kashmir, Aditya Thakur from Chamba, and Pardeep Verma and Chandan from Uttar Pradesh, according to Kangra SP Shalini Agnihotri. Efforts intensify as search operations continue for seven individuals reportedly missing since flash floods, triggered by devastating cloudbursts, hit the Kangra and Kullu districts on Wednesday. Lovely, a resident of Chamba district, recounted being rescued from a forest close to the project site. She stated that there were 13 people in the camp, with five managing to run towards the hills while the remaining were swept away by the surging waters. "We saw the floods coming and screamed to alert the people below before running to safety," said Daya Kishan, another laborer. NDRF Commandant Baljinder Singh emphasized the ongoing efforts to locate the people feared swept away from the hydroelectric project site. Additionally, three individuals remain unaccounted for in Rehla Bihal in Kullu district. Confusion surrounds the exact number of people affected, with authorities yet to clarify the number of those rescued. Singh detailed that joint efforts are being conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and Home Guards. However, search efforts are hindered by challenging topography and unfavorable weather conditions. Another missing person was reportedly found after seeking refuge on a nearby hill. Some of the affected individuals hail from Nurpur and Chamba areas of Himachal Pradesh, with others from Uttar Pradesh. BJP president J P Nadda extended condolences to the families, stating, "In this hour of crisis, every BJP worker is dedicated to providing all possible help to the citizens of Devbhoomi. I pray to God to give peace to the departed souls and provide strength to the bereaved families." Dharamsala's BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma, who visited the site, noted the project's proximity to his village. He recounted receiving a call on Wednesday about the surge in water level and the disappearance of 15-20 individuals. Sharma expressed concerns over alleged negligence, citing the failure to relocate laborers from a stream-adjacent building. He flagged safety lapses by authorities and negligence from the project's contractor and officials. Sharma also raised concerns about potential underreporting of damage, stressing that only the labor contractor could pinpoint the number of missing workers accurately. On Wednesday night, officials reported that 250-275 workers were at the site; they have been temporarily sheltered at Ambedkar Bhawan in Khaniyara. Continuing rain had paused project work, with laborers resting in temporary shelters when the floodwaters redirected from Manuni Khad and nearby drains descended upon them. Officials confirm that search efforts persist for three people, including a 14-year-old, missing after being swept away at Rehla Bihal in Kullu. Deputy Commissioner Torul S Ravesh, cautioning tourists against low-lying regions and riverbeds, reported that the NDRF has joined the Kullu rescue operations. Flash floods have also affected Manali and Banjar in the Kullu district. Heavy rains inflicted significant damage in Sainj, Gadsa, and Hornagad areas within the Banjar assembly constituency, according to Banjar MLA Surinder Shauri. He highlighted the blockage of the main road in Hornagad and issues with electricity and water supply disruption in the village.
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