Several cloudbursts and heavy rainfall triggered flash floods across the Kullu and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh. Two people were confirmed dead and their bodies were recovered from Manuni Khad in Kangra. Search and rescue operations are now underway as at least 15 people were swept away due to the sudden flash floods.
Cloudbursts Trigger Flash Floods In Himachal Pradesh
According to NDTV, heavy rainfall and cloudbursts cause casualties and destruction across Himachal Pradesh. Two were reported dead in the Kangra district. At the same time, around 15 workers at a labour colony near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project site were swept away after the water level rose dangerously high in the Khaniyara Manuni Khad. They were resting in temporary shelters near the site when sudden floodwaters from the Manuni Khad swept them away.
Rescue and search operations are now underway with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local administration, gram panchayat, and the revenue department. Incessant rainfall is currently posing a challenge for the rescue teams and more updates are awaited.
In Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, flash floods caused by cloudbursts ended up damaging many houses, shops, connecting roads, small bridges, and a school building. Around three cloudburst incidents were reported from Jeeva Nallah and Rehla Bihal in Sainj and Shilagarh in the Gadsa area of Kullu district, NDTV reported.
Manali-Chandigarh National Highway Partially Damaged
Cloudbursts also triggered flash floods in Manali and Banjar areas of Himachal Pradesh. The sudden gush of flood water from the Beas River ended up partially damaging the Manali-Chandigarh National Highway near Manali. Thankfully, vehicular movement was not affected by the damage.
The authorities in several areas have suspended all water sports activities and projects for the time being. As per reports, the water levels of the Beas and Sutlej rivers rose significantly because of the cloudbursts and incessant rainfall.
Reports also suggest that the road from Kaza to Samdoh has been severely affected, with multiple blockages caused by landslides, falling debris, and overflowing drains, making travel extremely difficult and dangerous. The India Meteorological Department issued warnings of low to moderate flash flood risk in Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur till Thursday evening.
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If you’re in Himachal Pradesh or travelling there, please be cautious, keep yourself updated about weather conditions, and listen to advisories by local authorities.
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