Shimla: Torrential rains have triggered flash floods and cloudbursts across multiple districts in Himachal Pradesh, leaving at least five people dead and several others missing. The worst-affected areas include Kullu and Kangra, where widespread damage to roads, homes, and infrastructure has been reported.
According to authorities, five fatalities have been confirmed, and search operations are underway for at least five missing individuals. “One survivor has been rescued from the forest… The survivor said that when the flash flood occurred, he and some of his companions ran into the forest… According to him, eight of his companions were swept away in the water flow,” said the Superintendent of Police, Kangra.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu stated that three cloudbursts and nine flash flood incidents have struck different parts of the state. Emergency response teams have rescued over 250 people so far, with operations continuing despite adverse conditions.
In Kangra district, three people have been confirmed dead and five others remain missing following severe flooding. In Kullu, two individuals are unaccounted for. A cloudburst near the Jiwa Trench Weir in Majhan Nallah on Wednesday caused a sudden surge in river levels, worsening the situation.
Most of those affected were working at a power project site in Manuni, near Dharamshala. “Only the NDRF and SDRF teams are able to reach the site. So far, six people have been reported missing. One body has been recovered in a joint NDRF-SDRF operation,” NDRF Commandant Baljinder Singh told ANI.
Flash floods have also damaged around 15 houses and caused significant destruction to village roads. A private power project and NHPC’s facility were also impacted by the flooding.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Sunday, June 29, warning of continued heavy rain and the risk of flash floods and landslides in Una, Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Kangra, Chamba, Kullu, and Mandi.
Authorities have urged residents and tourists to avoid non-essential travel, particularly near rivers and hilly terrain, and to stay updated with weather forecasts. Numerous tourists remain stranded in Manikaran Valley, Banjar, Kullu, and Manali, as landslides and road blockages have disrupted access. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
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