11-month-old survives Himachal flash floods that killed her entire family
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Mandi (Himachal Pradesh): An 11-month-old baby girl was the sole survivor from her family after flash floods, triggered by a series of cloudbursts, struck Talwara village in Parwada panchayat of Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on July 1.
According to local officials, the infant's parents — Ramesh and Radha — and her grandmother, Purnu Devi, were swept away while attempting to divert floodwaters away from their home. The child had been asleep inside the house when the incident occurred.
In the morning, the baby was found alone and crying by villagers, who alerted the authorities. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Samritika Negi confirmed that the family was the only one affected in the village and that the child’s father’s body had been recovered, while her mother and grandmother remain missing.
A video of SDM Negi holding the baby has gone viral, prompting widespread public concern. Negi told IANS that over 100 phone calls have been received from people across the country seeking information about the child and offering financial assistance.
The baby has since been placed in the care of her father’s cousin sisters, who also reside in the village. “The child has adjusted with the family,” the SDM said.
The district administration has provided ₹25,000 in ex-gratia relief and ration kits to the caretakers. A dedicated bank account will be opened in the child’s name, with the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi acting as her guardian. Government compensation and public donations will be deposited as fixed deposits for her future welfare and education. “This arrangement will be finalised after the completion of the father’s funeral rites,” Negi added.
Under Himachal Pradesh’s disaster relief policy, the government provides ₹4 lakh compensation for each death due to a natural calamity, irrespective of the victim’s nationality or residence, as long as the death occurred within the state.
The monsoon-triggered floods have caused significant destruction across the state. Mandi district’s Thunag region has reported 14 deaths, while 30 individuals remain missing. Statewide, 78 deaths have been confirmed, nearly 300 roads are blocked, and critical infrastructure has sustained heavy damage. The estimated total loss stands at ₹700 crore.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who visited affected areas in Mandi, announced several relief measures, including monthly rent support for displaced families. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured full central assistance. A Central team is expected to assess the damage soon.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) continue to conduct search and rescue operations. The Indian Air Force has deployed two Mi-17 V5 helicopters to assist in relief efforts.
With IANS inputs
