Heavy Rainfall and Floods in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu District
Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh has experienced severe flooding following a cloudburst event. The situation is dire, with widespread damage including the collapse of several buildings and vehicles. Roads are blocked, and rescue and relief operations are currently underway.
Himachal Pradesh Situation: A cloudburst has occurred in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, causing widespread devastation across the region. Intense rainfall has led to a dramatic rise in the water levels of rivers and streams, resulting in flood-like conditions in many areas. Buildings and vehicles are being swept away by the rising waters. Local authorities have placed rescue and relief teams on alert, deeming the situation critical.
National Highway Blocked, Minister Stranded
The Ot-Luhari-Saiंज National Highway has been completely blocked due to the cloudburst. This vital route connects Kullu district headquarters and its closure is disrupting the daily lives of residents. State ministers, including Minister for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Prof. Chand Kumar, and Minister for Technical Education, Rajesh Dharmani, were also stranded on this route. Rajesh Dharmani was scheduled to attend the “World Heritage Festival 2025” as the chief guest, but due to the inclement weather, he was unable to reach the event.
Flooding in Manikarn Valley, Saiंज, and Banjar
Heavy rainfall has triggered flooding in the Manikarn Valley, Saiंज, and Banjar areas. The Jiwa Nala in Saiंज has caused the collapse of NHPC sheds, posing a threat to the village of Bihali. Residents in these areas have reported significant damage to homes, with water entering buildings. Many families have been relocated to safer locations.
Roads Destroyed, Vehicles Swept Away, Disrupted Life
In Saiंज market, a camper and a scooter were swept away due to the flooding. Furthermore, numerous roads have been damaged. Upon receiving information about the floods, residents of Saiंज Valley panicked and began evacuating their homes. Residents in the lower areas of Saiंज Valley have been advised to remain vigilant, as the river water could potentially reach residential areas at any time.
Administration Intensifies Relief Efforts
The administration has immediately activated relief and rescue operations. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have mobilized all necessary resources. Teams from the SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) and local police have been deployed to the affected areas. Drones and other technologies are being utilized to assess the situation on the ground.
Severe Damage in Hurangad
Heavy damage has also been reported in the Hurangad area of the Tearthen Valley, following the cloudburst. Two vehicles and two houses have been washed away. The weather department has predicted further rainfall in the next 24 hours, raising concerns about the potential for more devastation.
Temporary Bridge Connecting Bledi Village Washes Away
The temporary bridge connecting the Manikarn Valley village of Bledi to the outside world was washed away by the floods in the पार्वती River. This bridge, constructed by villagers in 2024 following a previous disaster, was the sole means of connecting the village to the main road. Its collapse has completely severed the village’s communication and poses a serious challenge for the delivery of relief supplies and transportation.
