Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh have once again wreaked havoc. A cloudburst in the Mayad Valley of Lahaul Spiti district on Tuesday evening triggered a devastating flood.
Manali: Torrential rains continue to plague Himachal Pradesh. The Mayad Valley in Lahaul-Spiti district has suffered significant damage due to a cloudburst. Three bridges have been washed away by the floods, and residents of six villages are in a state of panic due to the overflowing streams. People managed to escape their homes to save their lives, while some houses built near the streams have also suffered damage.
Farmers' crops have been destroyed, and fields have been washed away in the floods. The administration has initiated relief operations. The cloudburst occurred around 7 pm yesterday evening at Gudhar Nala, Karpat Nala, Changut Nala, Udgos Nala, and Tingret Nala. As a result, the bridges built on Karpat Nala, Changut Nala, and Udgos Nala were washed away.
Disaster Struck at 7 PM
According to information received, the water level suddenly rose in Gudhar Nala, Karpat Nala, Changut Nala, Udgos Nala, and Tingret Nala, located in the Mayad Valley, at approximately 7 pm on Tuesday evening. Due to the cloudburst, these streams experienced a b surge, causing the bridges built on Karpat Nala, Changut Nala, and Udgos Nala to be completely washed away. At the same time, the large bridge built on the Mayad Nala was submerged in floodwater, severely disrupting road connectivity in the area.
There is an atmosphere of fear in six villages – Karpat, Changut, Udgos, Gudhar, Tingret, and surrounding areas – due to the heavy rains and floods. Villagers were unable to sleep throughout the night, and many families have migrated to safer locations. Houses built near the streams have been partially damaged, while the soil of fields in many places has been completely washed away.
Heavy Losses for Farmers
According to local farmers, maize and vegetable crops have been washed away. In many places, the fertile topsoil of the fields has been eroded, which will affect future sowing as well. This loss of crops and infrastructure is expected to have a profound impact on the livelihoods of the villagers. As soon as information about the cloudburst incident was received, teams from the Udaipur sub-divisional office, Public Works Department, and Jal Shakti Department reached the spot. The Revenue Department and the administrative team delivered rations and essential supplies to the villagers stranded in Karpat village.
At the same time, a survey of the damage to bridges and roads has been initiated. Work has already begun on a plan to build temporary pedestrian bridges and emergency routes in the affected areas.
