In a deeply moving yet miraculous event from the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, an 11-month-old baby girl named Nikita managed to survive catastrophic flash floods and a landslide that took the lives of her entire immediate family. The tragedy occurred around 1 am on June 30, in the Seraj Assembly constituency, when her father Ramesh Kumar, mother Radha Devi, and grandmother Poonam Devi ventured outside their home to redirect rainwater that had begun to flood into the house due to heavy rainfall.

While the three attempted to manage the surging water, an unexpected landslide swept them away. Inside the house, baby Nikita—sound asleep—remained safe from the calamity, unaware of the disaster that had transpired outside. Later, her father’s body was discovered buried beneath the rubble, while search efforts continue for her mother and grandmother. Officials from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively searching the area, facing challenging terrain and ongoing weather hazards.

Neighbors, residing on higher ground, descended to the family’s home around 2 am, fearing the worst. They were shocked to find only the baby, unharmed and alone. Nikita’s uncle shared that their attempts to reach the house were hindered by the elevated water levels. Once the flooding subsided, a search was initiated, resulting in the recovery of Ramesh’s body, while the rest of the family remains unaccounted for.

The tragedy has struck a chord throughout the region, leading to an outpouring of sympathy and offers of assistance. Many individuals, touched by Nikita’s survival story, have reached out to the local authorities expressing a desire to adopt her. However, her paternal aunt Tara Devi, who is currently caring for her, has firmly stated: “We won’t give her away. We will raise her.”

Smritika Negi, the SDM of Gohar (who holds additional responsibilities), confirmed the increasing public concern for Nikita’s well-being. “She’s a lovely child,” Negi remarked, noting that she makes it a point to visit and spend time with the baby during her visits.