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Cloudburst In Kullu, Himachal Pradesh Sweeps Away Footbridge & Shelters; Yellow Alert Issued For Region

The incident sparked a debate on the need for sustainable development in the region.

by Nikitha Sebastian
Cloudburst In Kullu, Himachal Pradesh Sweeps Away Footbridge & Shelters; Yellow Alert Issued For Region

A ferocious cloudburst battered Tosh Nallah in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. The torrent swept away a footbridge and three makeshift shelters, including a liquor shop. Remarkably, no lives were lost.

Cloudburst In Kullu Sweeps Away Footbridge & Shelters

Deputy Commissioner Kullu, Torul S Raveesh, confirmed in a statement to The Economic Times that the disaster in the Tosh area of Manikaran. A team raced to assess the damage. locals to stay away from rivers, and streams, and avoid building near watercourses. The Deputy Commissioner enforced a strict ban on construction during the monsoon. She warned of severe penalties for violators.

The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for seven districts. Heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, threatened the region on Wednesday and Thursday. A yellow alert followed for August 2 and 3.

Also Read: Himachal Pradesh Saw Over 1 Crore Tourists In Just 6 Months, Thanks To The Favourable Weather

Need For Disaster Preparedness

The weather office forecast heavy to very heavy rain in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur. Monsoon activity was expected to intensify over the next four to five days. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to clear debris and restore essential services. Local authorities distributed relief materials to affected residents. The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events.

Experts warned of the increasing frequency and intensity of cloudbursts due to climate change. They emphasised the need for robust disaster preparedness and early warning systems. The government announced plans to strengthen infrastructure and improve drainage systems to mitigate future risks.

The cloudburst exposed the challenges faced by remote mountain communities. Lack of proper roads and communication hampered rescue efforts. The incident prompted calls for better disaster management strategies and community-based resilience building. As the region grappled with the aftermath of the cloudburst, concerns grew over the potential for landslides and flash floods in the coming days. Meteorologists advised residents to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines.

Also Read: Weather Update: Heavy Rains Expected In 10 States Till August 3; Flood-Like Situation Might Persist In Parts Of Maharashtra

The incident sparked a debate on the need for sustainable development in the region. Critics argued that unchecked construction and tourism had contributed to the disaster. Advocates for eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods called for a rethink of development policies.

Cover Image Courtesy: @Ani_iTV,@GemsHimachal /X (Formerly, Twitter)

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