Hero Dog's Warning Saves Village from Landslide
In a remarkable story of survival, a five-month-old pet dog helped save 63 people from a deadly landslide in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district. The dog's persistent barking alerted his owner to the imminent danger, allowing for a full-scale evacuation just moments before their village was buried under debris.
The incident took place in Siyathi village in the early hours of the morning, amid heavy and unrelenting rainfall. A dog named Rocky, sleeping on the ground floor of a house, began barking and howling in an unusual manner. His owner, Lalit Kumar, was awakened by the strange sounds. When he went to investigate, he discovered a large crack in the wall of his home and saw water flooding in.
A Race Against Time
Realizing the danger, Kumar acted swiftly. He grabbed his dog and immediately began waking his family and neighbors. From his home, he could see the landslide rapidly approaching the village. Running from door to door, he managed to alert all 22 families, urging them to flee to safety.
The villagers left everything behind and escaped just in time. Minutes later, a massive landslide tore through the community, destroying nearly a dozen houses and burying several others completely. Thanks to Rocky's warning and Kumar's quick response, every single resident survived unharmed.
A Community Grateful
The heroic dog, Rocky, became trapped during the chaos and had to be rescued later. The displaced families have since taken shelter in a nearby temple. The government has provided immediate financial relief to each affected family.
Former village head Desraj summed up the community's feelings, stating, "It was our luck, and the dog’s actions, that saved us." The incident stands as a powerful testament to the bond between humans and animals and the incredible difference a timely warning can make.
