In an astonishing display of resilience, 20-year-old Tuneja Thakur defied death after being buried alive during flash floods in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district. According to Economic Times, trapped beneath the debris for over five harrowing hours, she clawed her way out using her bare hands, creating a small breathing space until rescue teams reached her in Sharan village, located in the Seraj valley.
Buried by Flash Flood Triggered Landslide
Late on June 30, intense monsoon-induced cloudburst triggered flooding and landslides across Mandi district. In Sharan village, Tuneja was caught in a sudden landslide as she tried to flee her home. A mass of mud and stone pinned her down near the corner of her house, leaving her trapped under heavy debris with no immediate help in sight.
A Battle for Breath and Life
Trapped under the weight of soil, Tuneja knew she had to act fast. Using her bare hands, she managed to dig out enough space to breathe. For five agonising hours, she clawed at the mud, removing debris bit by bit to expand her air pocket. When interviewed later, she shared, “I removed enough mud to be able to breathe… I just knew one thing—I had to come out alive.”
A Desperate Search and Emotional Reunion
Her family and neighbours launched frantic search efforts throughout the night in the rain-drenched terrain. They combed through mud-choked lanes and unstable slopes, fearing for her life. Just as hope began to fade, her parents located Tuneja and pulled her out of the debris alive—barely conscious but breathing.
A Symbol of Resilience Amid Widespread Destruction
This extraordinary survival has become a symbol of human perseverance in the face of nature’s fury. The landslide was one among several triggered by the severe flash floods that swept through Seraj valley and surrounding areas. Entire sections of villages were damaged, infrastructure collapsed, and homes washed away. Local officials have praised Tuneja’s courage amid large-scale devastation.
Official Recognition and Community Response
Himachal Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur met Tuneja following her rescue. They lauded her “exceptional courage and determination,” calling her ordeal an “inspirational story of survival against all odds” during ongoing flood relief efforts.
