Mandi: Pet Dog’s Bark Alerts Village, Helps 67 Escape Deadly Landslide

A village named Siyathi in Mandi district was saved from tragedy on June 30, all thanks to a dog’s midnight bark. The timely alarm helped 67 villagers escape just moments before a deadly landslide struck and buried their homes. Narendra, a resident of Siyathi, was woken up around midnight when his dog suddenly began barking and howling. Concerned, he went to check and saw a huge crack forming in the wall on the second floor, with water seeping through. Realising the urgency of the situation, he rushed downstairs, woke his family, and alerted his neighbours. 

Within minutes, 67 people from 20 families managed to flee their homes. Shortly after, a massive landslide hit the village, burying several houses under debris. “We didn’t even get time to pick up our belongings. We just ran,” said one survivor. 

The survivors have taken shelter in the Naina Devi temple in nearby Triyambala village. However, the trauma has left many struggling with depression, high blood pressure, and anxiety. Families who lost their homes and savings now find themselves without a roof, relying on community support and government aid. Local villagers have extended help, and the administration has offered ₹10,000 as initial relief per affected family. Many are still waiting for long-term rehabilitation and proper medical assistance. 

A State Battling the Rains: Himachal’s Growing Monsoon Crisis

This incident is part of a larger crisis unfolding across Himachal Pradesh as the state continues to battle heavy monsoon rains. Since June 20, Himachal has recorded 78 deaths — 50 from rain-related incidents like landslides and flash floods, and 28 from road accidents, according to NDTV. Mandi remains the worst-hit district, with over 156 roads, including highways, rendered inaccessible due to floods and debris. Several power lines and water supplies have also been disrupted in interior regions. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh flash flood alerts across 10 districts, including Mandi. 

But in a tragedy that could have taken many more lives, the loyalty and instincts of a village dog became stronger than any alarm system.  As relief efforts continue, the village now waits not just for aid, but for healing and rebuilding lives from the rubble.