Landslides Devastate Thunag Bank: Safe, Lockers Buried in Mandi Flood Chaos

Relentless floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, severely impacting the Thunag branch of the State Cooperative Bank. The bank building, a lifeline for local residents, is now entirely buried under a mass of debris, with its safe, lockers, and vital documents trapped beneath mud and rubble. This disaster has heightened concerns among depositors, as the region grapples with the broader devastation caused by the monsoon’s fury.

Relief Efforts halted by Rain

The Thunag branch, a key financial hub for the rural community, has been rendered inaccessible, with debris covering the entire structure. The bank’s safe, containing cash and valuables, along with lockers and critical records, lies entombed, raising fears about the security of customers’ savings. Local residents, already reeling from the loss of homes and infrastructure, are anxious about the potential loss of financial assets. The scale of the damage has left the community in distress, with many relying on the bank for their economic stability.

Bank Engulfed by Flood Debris

Ongoing rainfall has severely hampered rescue and recovery operations in Thunag. Teams from the district administration and the State Disaster Response Force are struggling to clear the debris due to treacherous conditions and poor visibility. The continuous downpour has slowed heavy machinery deployment, delaying efforts to access the bank’s buried assets. Despite these challenges, the Mandi administration has assured residents that every effort is being made to secure the bank’s property and restore access as soon as weather conditions permit.

Bank Branch Submerged, documents at Risk

The destruction of the Thunag branch underscores the broader impact of the 2025 monsoon on Himachal Pradesh, with Mandi reporting significant losses in infrastructure and lives. Authorities are prioritizing debris clearance and have promised to safeguard the bank’s assets, but the road to recovery remains daunting. As the community awaits relief, calls are growing for stronger disaster preparedness to protect critical institutions like the State Cooperative Bank from future calamities.