Himachal Pradesh cloudburst: Flash floods kill 2, 20 feared swept away in Kangra

Cloudburst, flash floods and heavy rain wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, killing two people while at least 20 were feared swept away, including workers in Kangra and residents in Kullu district.

Rescue operations are underway amid worsening weather conditions.

In Kangra district, two bodies were recovered from the Manuni Khad, while around 15 to 20 workers are feared swept away near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project site. The labourers were resting in temporary shelters after work had been suspended due to rain when a sudden surge in the water level inundated the area.

According to a PTI report citing officials, floodwaters from the Manuni Khad and nearby drains diverted toward the labour colony, washing away the workers. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local administration, gram panchayat, and the revenue department have reached the site.

“About 20 workers were swept away in the incident,” Dharamsala BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma said in a social media post.

Fortunately, some local workers have been reported safe.

Heavy rains batter Kullu

Meanwhile, in Kullu district, three cloudbursts struck Jeeva Nallah and Rehla Bihal in Sainj and Shilagarh in the Gadsa area, causing flash floods that damaged houses, roads, a school building, shops, and bridges.

Three residents in Rehla Bihal were swept away while trying to retrieve belongings from their homes. Flash floods were also reported in Manali and Banjar subdivisions, according to Kullu Additional Deputy Commissioner Ashwani Kumar.

In Banjar, as per PTI, a bridge in Hornagad was washed away, floodwaters entered a government school, and farmland and a cowshed sustained damage.

“Heavy rains are continuing since the morning. I received several calls saying rains have caused huge damage in Sainj, Tirthan, and Gadsa. I would appeal to the people to stay away from the rivers and drains. I have asked the administration to take quick action as people are in trouble,” said Banjar MLA Surinder Shauri, as quoted by PTI.

The Manali-Chandigarh National Highway was partially damaged near Manali, where the Beas River, in spate, eroded a portion of the road. Traffic, however, continues to move.

In Lahaul-Spiti, landslides and rising water blocked the road between Kaza and Samdoh at several points, police said.

Himachal Pradesh rain forecast

The Himachal Pradesh Meteorological Department recorded heavy to very heavy rain in several parts of the state. Palampur received 145.5 mm of rain, followed by Jogindernagar (113 mm), Nahan (99.8 mm), and Baijnath (85 mm). Gusty winds up to 56 kmph were reported in Kangra, and thunderstorms hit Sundernagar.

Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti was the coldest spot at 13.1°C, while Una was the warmest at 33.6°C, the local Met office said.

The weather department has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall across 4 to 7 districts till June 29 and warned of a low to moderate flash flood risk in Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur till Thursday evening.

Amid growing concern, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu issued a public appeal and confirmed that the state government is actively monitoring the situation:

“Due to heavy rainfall, distressing and heart-wrenching reports of loss of life and property are being received from several districts of the state. Instructions have been given to the administrative teams of all districts to carry out relief and rescue operations with utmost seriousness and speed. I am in constant contact with the administrative officers of all districts, and the situation is being continuously monitored," the CM said in a post on X.

He further said that instructions have been issued to the administration to remain fully alert, vigilant, and prepared as heavy rainfall is anticipated in the coming days.

I appeal to the residents and tourists of the state to avoid going near rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas in light of the weather conditions. Follow the guidelines issued by the administration, avoid rumors, alert one another, and maintain vigilance,” Sukhu said.


(With inputs from PTI)