Amidst the devastating landslides and flash floods that have struck Himachal Pradesh in recent weeks, stories of incredible survival have emerged, offering a beacon of hope amidst widespread destruction. One such story is that of Tuneja Thakur, a 20-year-old woman from Mandi district, who survived being trapped under landslide debris for five hours. In a separate incident in Mandi, an 11-month-old baby girl was found alive after a landslide swept away her parents and grandmother.

Tuneja Thakur's ordeal began late at night on June 30 when flash floods and a cloudburst triggered a landslide near her home. She found herself trapped under the debris but, driven by an indomitable spirit, she began to dig, using only her hands to create a space to breathe. For five hours, she persisted, carving her way through the mud and rocks until her parents finally reached her and pulled her to safety. "I just knew one thing—I had to come out alive," she said, reflecting on those tense hours. Tuneja's remarkable courage has been widely recognized, with local leaders, including Himachal Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, visiting her to commend her resilience.

In another instance of miraculous survival, an 11-month-old girl was found alive in the aftermath of a landslide that claimed the lives of her parents and grandmother in Mandi district. The tragedy occurred around 1 am when the baby's parents, Ramesh Kumar and Radha Devi, along with her grandmother, Poonam Devi, went outside to divert rainwater that was flooding their home. A landslide struck, sweeping away all three adults. Neighbors, living on higher ground, discovered the baby asleep in the house, unaware of the catastrophe. Ramesh Kumar's body was later recovered, but the search for Radha Devi and Poonam Devi is still underway. Despite numerous adoption offers, the baby's family has stated their firm intention to raise her themselves.

These stories of survival emerge against a backdrop of widespread devastation in Himachal Pradesh. Since June 20, landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts have claimed the lives of at least 78 people across the state. Mandi district has been particularly hard hit. In one instance, a dog's barking alerted residents to impending danger, saving 67 lives in a village in Mandi. These events highlight the critical importance of disaster preparedness and community resilience in the face of increasingly frequent and intense natural disasters. The determination and courage displayed by individuals like Tuneja Thakur and the infant girl serve as powerful reminders of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.