Heroic Dog’s Bark Saves 60 Lives in Himachal Pradesh Landslide Disaster

In a remarkable tale of survival from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, a pet dog’s relentless barking alerted villagers to impending danger, saving 60 lives during a catastrophic landslide triggered by cloudbursts and flash floods. The incident occurred in Siyathi village on the night of June 30 into July 1, 2025, as torrential monsoon rains battered the region.

According to local accounts, the dog’s persistent howls woke residents around midnight, prompting them to flee their homes. One villager recounted how the group barely escaped, leaving possessions behind, as a massive landslide reduced the village to rubble moments later. “Over 60 people ran for safety, and in no time, the village was destroyed,” the villager told The Hindu. Only a handful of structures remained standing amidst the debris.

The disaster was part of a broader monsoon crisis in Himachal Pradesh, with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reporting 15 deaths and five injuries from the Mandi cloudbursts. A search continues for 27 others reported missing. The state has faced severe disruptions, with over 260 roads closed and three districts Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu placed under a red alert for July 6 due to ongoing heavy rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department.

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Union government officials, including BJP president J.P. Nadda, visited the affected areas, pledging comprehensive relief and rehabilitation efforts for the devastated communities. “The Central government will leave no stone unturned to support the people of Mandi,” Nadda assured after assessing the damage caused by the floods and landslides.

The heroic actions of the village dog have become a beacon of hope amid the tragedy, highlighting the extraordinary instincts of animals in times of crisis.