Horrific Videos of Cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh Photo Credit: X
In a tragic turn of events, cloudbursts and flash floods swept across the Kangra and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, leaving at least two people dead and more than ten missing. The sudden natural calamity has triggered massive search and rescue operations as torrential rains continue to lash the region.
Sudden Deluge Sweeps Away Workers and Villagers
In Kangra district, a devastating cloudburst struck the Manuni Khad stream near Dharamshala. Several temporary shelters housing workers of a local hydroelectric project were washed away by the flash floods. Two bodies have been recovered, and over 15 people remain unaccounted for. Local authorities believe that most of the missing are workers who were sleeping when the water levels suddenly surged.
In Kullu, the situation is equally dire. Multiple cloudbursts were reported in Banjar, Gadsa, Manikaran, and Sainj valleys. Flash floods in these areas have swept away houses, a government school building, and three individuals, whose bodies are yet to be recovered. Rivers and streams have risen dangerously, submerging roads and disconnecting several villages.
Infrastructure Damage and Blocked Access
Infrastructure across both Kangra and Kullu has taken a severe hit. A temporary bridge over the Parvati River in Baladhi village collapsed, cutting off access to entire communities. In Sainj Valley, flash floods damaged homes, vehicles, and public buildings. The road network has been extensively damaged due to landslides, with debris blocking key routes leading to hospitals and relief centres.
A Himachal Road Transport Corporation bus was stranded in the Thural region of Kangra after parts of the highway caved in. In Kullu, sections of the Chandigarh–Manali highway have been rendered impassable due to rising water levels in the Beas and Sutlej rivers.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Measures
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for search and rescue operations. Local administration, police personnel, and revenue officials are working round the clock to rescue stranded individuals and provide relief materials to affected areas.
Authorities have issued urgent evacuation advisories for low-lying and riverbank areas. All water-related activities such as river rafting and hydroelectric operations have been temporarily suspended. Community shelters are being set up in safer zones as rainfall is expected to continue over the next 48 hours.
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Heavy Rain
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert across Himachal Pradesh, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in districts including Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla. The alert will remain in place through June 28. Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid landslide-prone areas, and remain vigilant as more rain is expected to intensify the situation.
Understanding the Cloudburst Phenomenon
Cloudbursts are a recurring danger in the Himalayan region. They occur when intense rainfall exceeds the ground’s absorption capacity, resulting in sudden, violent flooding. The steep slopes and narrow valleys of Himachal Pradesh make the region especially vulnerable.
Environmental experts believe that urbanisation, deforestation, and unplanned construction in ecologically fragile zones have amplified the impact of cloudbursts. As witnessed in the 2023 North India floods, which claimed over 400 lives, the combination of climatic extremes and human negligence has made flash floods increasingly lethal.
Ground Reports and Community Impact
Locals in Kullu and Kangra described the scene as “nightmarish.” Crops have been destroyed, and many schools have been closed. In flood-hit hamlets, residents are using makeshift rafts to rescue stranded animals and elderly villagers. The state government has initiated compensation measures, while volunteers and NGOs are mobilising essential supplies, including food, medicines, and clean drinking water.
Preparing for a Changing Climate
Experts warn that climate change is escalating the frequency of such extreme weather events in the Himalayan belt. Increased glacial melting, unpredictable monsoon behaviour, and rising humidity levels are all contributing to this new weather normal.
Officials are urging the need for a long-term disaster resilience strategy—strengthening early warning systems, building landslide-resistant infrastructure, and implementing strict construction norms in high-risk zones.
Final Word
The cloudbursts and flash floods in Kangra and Kullu serve as a grim reminder of nature’s fury and the urgency of preparedness. As the search for the missing continues and the rain shows no sign of abating, the people of Himachal Pradesh stand united—resilient in the face of adversity, but demanding stronger safeguards for the future.
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