
5 killed, many missing as cloudbursts, flash floods hit India's Himachal Pradesh
NEW DELHI, June 26 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and many others missing after cloudbursts and flash floods hit the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, officials said Thursday.
The state experienced heavy monsoon rainfall in the past 24 hours that led to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, thus severely affecting normal life.
Reports said several laborers residing in temporary sheds near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydro Power Project were swept away by floodwaters on Wednesday evening.
Shortly after the accident, the local government sent rescuers to the scene.

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5 killed, many missing as cloudbursts, flash floods hit India's Himachal Pradesh
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