Bark Before the Storm: Puppy Saves 60 Lives in Himachal’s Siyathi Village Flash Floods

Image Source : Gulf News

In a heart-stirring tale of instinct and loyalty, a six-month-old puppy named Rocky became an unlikely hero during the devastating flash floods and landslides that struck Siyathi village in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on June 30. His frantic barking alerted residents to imminent danger, triggering a chain reaction that saved over 60 lives.

Key Highlights From the Rescue

- Rocky began barking and howling from the second floor of a multi-storey house as heavy rains lashed the region
- His owner, Narender, discovered a large crack in the wall with water seeping in and immediately raised the alarm
- Within minutes, over 60 villagers from 20 households evacuated to higher ground, escaping moments before a massive landslide buried their homes
- Survivors are now sheltering at the Naina Devi temple in Triyambala village, grappling with trauma and limited access to food, medicine, and shelter

Disaster Impact and Relief Measures

- The floods, triggered by ten cloudbursts, claimed 15 lives, injured five, and left 27 missing in Mandi district
- Over 1,184 houses were damaged and 780 livestock perished; losses are estimated at Rs 740 crore
- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and BJP leaders have pledged relief, including Rs 7 lakh compensation for rebuilding homes and Rs 5,000 monthly for rent
- Survivors are calling for early warning systems and safer housing to prevent future tragedies

Outlook

Rocky’s alertness turned a night of destruction into a story of survival. His actions underscore the need for community preparedness and the silent strength of animal instincts.

Sources: Gulf News, Hindustan Times, The Hindu, Tribune India, Times of India, MSN India, ANI, PTI, Economic Times India News Desk