Mandi (Himachal Pradesh): In a heartbreaking incident triggered by the recent cloudburst in the Gohar area of Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district, an 11-month-old girl named Nitika miraculously survived while her entire family was swept away in the floodwaters. A video capturing her survival went viral, touching hearts across the country and abroad.
Family Swept Away In Floods, Child Survives Miraculously
The tragedy occurred on the night of June 30 in Talwara village under the Seraj Assembly constituency. Following the cloudburst, a sudden surge of water and debris rushed down the mountains, engulfing homes and sweeping away residents. Nitika's father Ramesh, mother Radha and grandmother Purnu Devi stepped outside to assess the situation when they were caught in the flash flood. Nitika, who was alone inside the house at the time, miraculously remained unharmed.
On the morning of July 1, local villagers heard the infant crying and discovered the devastating aftermath. A rescue operation was launched, and on July 2, Ramesh's body was recovered. However, Nitika's mother and grandmother remain missing.
Over 150 Families Offered To Adopt Nitika
In the days following the tragedy, Nitika's story spread rapidly on social media. A video of SDM Smritika Negi visiting the child, holding her and playing with her, went viral and sparked an overwhelming emotional response. More than 150 families, from both India and abroad, have since expressed their desire to adopt the orphaned child.
SDM Negi confirmed that multiple calls have been received from people willing to adopt Nitika. "Some are reaching out directly, others are contacting officials or the family. The response has been deeply moving," she said. However, Nitika's care has been taken up by her paternal aunt, Kirna, who has devoted herself fully to the child’s upbringing.
To ensure financial support for Nitika’s future, the administration has opened a dedicated bank account in her name. Donations have been pouring in from individuals touched by her story, reflecting a strong sense of community solidarity.
Ex-CM Jairam Thakur Meets Nitika
Former CM and BJP leader Jairam Thakur also visited the village and met Nitika. A video of him holding her in his arms and offering a gift was posted on his X account. "Meeting this innocent child today broke my heart. The innocent smile of this daughter seems to express an inner anguish, as if she is waiting for her mother! Perhaps she is searching for her parents within her heart, but they will never return, and this little girl is unaware of that," wrote Thakur in the emotional post.
