Himachal Family Tragic Flood Incident
A devastating incident unfolded on Sunday when ten members of a family from Himachal Pradesh, traveling in an SUV to attend a wedding in Punjab’s Nawanshahr, were swept away by a sudden flood in a choe near Jejon town in the Mahilpur block of Hoshiarpur district. The tragedy resulted in the drowning of ten out of the eleven individuals in the vehicle, with only the driver surviving.
Deepak Bhatia, hailing from Dehra near Mehatpur in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh, embarked on this journey with nine family members. The group included Deepak’s father, Surjeet Bhatia, his mother, Paramjeet Kaur, his uncle, Sarup Chand, his aunts, Bandar and Shino, his daughters, Bhavna (18) and Anku (20), his son, Harmeet (12), and the SUV driver. Their destination was Nawanshahr, where they planned to celebrate a family wedding.
The tragedy struck while the family was passing through Jejon Choe, a natural watercourse, after crossing the Himachal Pradesh border. The choe, typically a manageable waterway, experienced a sudden surge in water flow. This unexpected increase in the water level caught the family off guard. Their vehicle became stuck in the mud, and the powerful current soon carried the SUV away.
Local administration and police officials swiftly responded to the incident. Despite their prompt arrival at the scene, the force of the water proved too overwhelming, leading to the unfortunate drowning of ten family members. The driver, however, was rescued from the water and is currently receiving medical attention and support.
The news of this tragic event has deeply affected the local communities in both Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The sudden loss of ten family members has left an indelible mark on their relatives, friends, and neighbors. Local authorities have expressed their condolences and are providing support to the grieving family.
This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of flooding in the region. Choes, which are seasonal streams, can transform from benign watercourses to raging torrents in a short span of time, especially during the monsoon season. The geographical and climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab make them susceptible to such sudden changes in water flow.
In the wake of this tragedy, there is an urgent call for increased awareness and preventive measures to safeguard against similar incidents. Authorities are urged to implement more robust warning systems and better infrastructure to handle sudden flooding. Educating locals about the dangers of crossing choes during adverse weather conditions is also crucial.
The tragic loss of ten family members in a sudden flood while traveling to a wedding in Punjab underscores the fragility of life and the unpredictability of nature. It serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of natural disasters. The thoughts and prayers of the community are with the bereaved family during this incredibly difficult time.
What is a choe?
A choe is a seasonal stream or watercourse that can experience significant fluctuations in water flow, particularly during the monsoon season.
How did the flooding occur?
The flooding was caused by a sudden increase in the water flow of the Jejon choe, which transformed the typically manageable watercourse into a powerful and dangerous torrent.
Were there any survivors?
Yes, the driver of the SUV was rescued, while unfortunately, ten family members drowned in the flood.
What measures can be taken to prevent such incidents?
Preventive measures include implementing robust warning systems, improving infrastructure to handle sudden floods, and increasing public awareness about the dangers of crossing seasonal streams during adverse weather conditions.
What support is being provided to the grieving family?
Local authorities and community members are offering condolences and support to the grieving family, ensuring they receive the necessary emotional and logistical assistance during this tragic time.
How common are such flooding incidents in the region?
Flooding incidents can be relatively common during the monsoon season in regions with choes or seasonal streams, due to the geographical and climaticconditions that lead to sudden surges in water flow.
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