Himachal Cloudburst Tragedy: 2 Dead, 20 Missing as Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Kullu and Kangra

Shimla/Dharamshala: In a tragic turn of events, Himachal Pradesh has been hit by four cloudbursts within 24 hours, leading to devastating flash floods across Kullu, Kangra, and Mandi districts. The torrential rains triggered deadly floods and landslides, leaving at least 2 confirmed dead and over 20 people missing, most of them laborers near hydroelectric projects.

Dharamshala Disaster: 20 Workers Swept Away Near Hydro Project

In Kangra district, near the Lungta Power Project in Dharamshala, a sudden cloudburst caused a flash flood in Manuni Khad at around 1 p.m. The water rose rapidly, sweeping away 15 to 20 laborers who were living in temporary sheds near the ravine. The workers, many of whom were employed at the Indira Priyadarshini Hydraulic Project in Sokni Da Kot (Khaniara), were caught off guard by the surge.

An eyewitness, Parvez Mohammad, said, “The sky was clear, there was no warning. Within moments, the water level rose and everything was gone.”

So far, two bodies have been recovered — one downstream in Lungta and another near Naguni. Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by damaged roads and dangerous conditions.

Kullu: Cloudbursts in Multiple Locations, Tourist Movement Halted

In Kullu district, four separate cloudbursts have been reported:

• Jiwanala (Sainj)

• Shilagarh (Gadsa)

• Snow Gallery (Manali)

• Hornagad (Banjar)

These incidents caused:

• Sweeping away of eight vehicles

• Destruction of 10 culverts

• Damage to a local electricity project

• Displacement of three people in Raila Bihal (Sainj)

In addition, over 2,000 tourists in more than 150 vehicles are stranded in Shanshar, Shangarh, and Suchaihan Panchayats of Sainj Valley, as a road near Siund has been washed away. Authorities are working to evacuate and provide essentials.

Widespread Devastation and Orange Alert Issued

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall across Himachal Pradesh, warning residents and tourists to remain cautious. The alert follows continuous rainfall in Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, and parts of Lahaul-Spiti, where landslide risks remain high.

More than 25 tourists are feared stranded in Lahaul, adding to the scale of the crisis.

Rescue Operations Underway

Relief operations are in full swing despite challenges:

• State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police teams have been deployed in both Kullu and Kangra

• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have reached the worst-hit areas in Kullu

• Administrative teams are assessing damage and tracking the missing

Deputy Commissioner of Kangra, Hemraj Bairwa, said, “While we cannot officially confirm a cloudburst in Kangra yet, the water level in the ravine was extremely high. We are on high alert.”

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, Ashwani Kumar, confirmed NDRF’s involvement in rescue missions in the district.

Advisory for Citizens and Tourists

• Avoid visiting hill stations and riverbanks

• Follow updates from local authorities and weather bulletins

• Tourist movement is strictly restricted in affected valleys

• Emergency helplines have been activated by the local administration

Conclusion

With monsoon activity intensifying in the hills, the situation in Himachal Pradesh remains highly volatile and dangerous. The dual threat of flash floods and landslides continues to disrupt lives, with rescue teams racing against time to locate missing persons and evacuate those stranded. Authorities urge extreme caution over the coming days as rainfall is expected to continue.

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Kuldeep Singh Chundawat

My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.

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