In the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, relentless monsoon rains have caused devastating floods and landslides, severely impacting many regions. Among the hardest hit is the Mandi district, where the village of Siyathi in the Dharampur area recently faced a catastrophic landslide.
The disaster struck after days of heavy rainfall triggered by the monsoon season. Fortunately, a dog named Rocky sensed the danger early on. Rocky's incessant barking alerted the villagers to the impending landslide, prompting them to evacuate just in time and save their lives.
According to reports, on the early morning of June 30, a local resident named Narendra was awakened by Rocky's frantic barking. Upon investigating, Narendra discovered a large crack in the house wall with water seeping in. He quickly roused his family and then went door to door warning neighbors to evacuate.
Thanks to Rocky's vigilance and Narendra's swift action, about 22 households—approximately 67 people—were able to move to safety moments before the hillside collapsed, destroying many homes. Only a few houses remained habitable, and any delay could have resulted in tragic loss of life.
Currently, many displaced villagers are taking refuge in a temple in the nearby village of Triyambala. The trauma of the disaster has caused considerable distress, with some residents developing high blood pressure and depression. The government has responded by providing financial aid of 10,000 Indian Rupees (around 3,400 New Taiwan Dollars) to each affected family to help them recover.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) of Himachal Pradesh has reported that since June 20, the state has experienced 23 flash floods, 19 heavy rainfall events, and 16 landslides. These calamities have resulted in at least 78 deaths, with 50 attributed to rain-related incidents such as landslides and floods, and 28 due to traffic accidents exacerbated by the hazardous conditions.
The ongoing monsoon has severely disrupted life and infrastructure across Himachal Pradesh, with hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed, roads blocked, and power and water supplies interrupted. Rescue and relief operations continue as authorities warn of further heavy rains in the coming days.
This incident underscores the profound bond between humans and dogs, highlighting how Rocky's alertness and loyalty saved an entire community from a natural disaster.
