Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Aug. 1: The Tibetan community of Shimla, in a gesture of solidarity, has donated ₹1,67,250 to support relief and recovery efforts following the devastating cloudburst and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district in the early hours of July 29.
Chief Representative Officer (CRO) Lhakpa Tsering personally handed over the donation to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Speaking to Phayul, CRO Lhakpa said he conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Chief Minister on behalf of the Tibetan community and expressed hopes that the contribution, though modest, would bring some measure of relief to those affected. “This is a small act of solidarity during a time of deep loss and hardship,” he said, adding that CM Sukhu warmly acknowledged and appreciated the gesture. He also confirmed that Tibetan settlements in Shimla remained safe and unaffected by the recent disaster.
Of the total amount, ₹70,000 was contributed by the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association (RTWA) of Shimla. The remaining funds were collectively donated by Tibetan monasteries, schools, and individual members of the Tibetan community in the region.
Mandi district has been grappling with a series of extreme weather events since late June, including multiple cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods. At least 10 to 15 cloudbursts were reported across the district during this period, triggering widespread destruction. The latest incident occurred around 3:30 AM on July 29, causing loss of human lives, livestock, and property, and displacing numerous families in the region.
Chief Minister Sukhu described the disaster as “heart-wrenching and painful,” confirming three deaths and one serious injury due to a cloudburst near Jail Road in Mandi town. He said relief and rehabilitation efforts are being carried out on a “war footing,” with rescue teams mobilized and the situation being monitored daily.
The state government has announced a ₹7 crore relief package to support rebuilding efforts, particularly for homes, livestock, and critical infrastructure. Families whose houses were completely destroyed will receive compensation of up to ₹7 lakh. The Chief Minister also stressed the need for long-term planning and scientific assessment of climate-related risks, noting, “We’ve never seen 8–10 cloudbursts in one night. This needs investigation.”
