Amidst the monsoon's relentless fury in Himachal Pradesh, a remarkable act of canine heroism unfolded in the Mandi district, specifically in Siyathi village of Dharampur. A dog's persistent barking served as an early warning system, saving 67 lives from a devastating landslide.
On June 30, 2025, between midnight and 1 a.m., as torrential rains lashed the region, triggering flash floods and landslides, the village of Siyathi was on the brink of disaster. A dog, sleeping on the second floor of Narendra's house, suddenly began barking and howling incessantly. Narendra, awakened by the dog's frantic behavior, noticed a large crack in the wall and water seeping into his home.
Realizing the imminent danger, Narendra, accompanied by the dog, rushed downstairs to alert his family. He then extended his efforts to the rest of the village, urging everyone to evacuate immediately. The intensity of the rain compelled families to abandon their belongings and flee to safety. Shortly after, a massive landslide struck Siyathi, demolishing nearly a dozen houses. Today, only four or five houses remain visible, the rest buried under debris.
The dog's heroic actions have been widely praised by the villagers, who credit him with saving their lives. According to Narendra, the dog's alertness and timely warning were instrumental in preventing a far greater tragedy.
The incident underscores the critical role animals can play in detecting impending natural disasters. It is believed that animals possess an innate ability to sense environmental changes, providing an early warning signal that humans may miss. This instance in Mandi serves as a testament to the remarkable bond between humans and animals, and the potential for animals to safeguard human lives.
The destruction caused by the monsoon in Himachal Pradesh has been widespread. Since June 20, 2025, at least 80 lives have been lost due to rain-related incidents, including landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts. Mandi district has been particularly hard-hit, accounting for 17 rain-related deaths. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reports that the extreme weather has triggered 23 flash floods, 19 cloudbursts, and 16 landslides. Approximately 280 roads have been rendered impassable, with 156 of those in Mandi.
In the aftermath of the Siyathi landslide, neighboring villages have offered assistance to the affected families. The government has also stepped in, announcing emergency aid of ₹10,000 for each affected family. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a flash flood alert for 10 districts, urging residents to remain vigilant.
