Cloudbursts and Flash Floods Hit Kullu District: Widespread Damage, Rescue Operations Underway.
Three persons are missing, while four houses were damaged in the district.
Kullu:
Several parts of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district have been struck by multiple cloudbursts and sudden flash floods on Wednesday, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, property, and agricultural land. The events were confirmed by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Ashwani Kumar, who informed that the district administration is actively conducting relief and rescue operations.
According to official reports, three confirmed cloudbursts occurred in the region:
- Jiwa Nala in Sainj Valley
- Shillaghar in Gadsa Valley
- Stro Gallery near the Atal Tunnel in Manali
Additionally, flash floods were reported in the Hornagad region of Banjar subdivision.
Key Affected Areas and Damages:
Sainj Valley:
A cloudburst occurred approximately 1 km downstream from the Jiwa Trench Weir at Majhan Nala. The Sainj Bazaar road sustained damage, and a jeep was washed away. At Raila Bihal in the valley, four houses were damaged due to heavy rainfall and resulting debris flow. Tragically, three individuals went missing during the incident while attempting to retrieve belongings.
Gadsa Valley:
Heavy water flow was recorded in Hurla Nala, Pacha Nala, and Manihar Nala. Authorities suspect that the cloudburst in the Shillaghar area triggered these surges. The high discharge has raised concerns over further erosion and property damage in the valley.
Manali Region:
The Stro Gallery area near the Atal Tunnel experienced a flash flood event, disrupting traffic and movement on this strategic route. Although there were no immediate reports of casualties, the threat of further slides or blockages remains.
Hornagad (Banjar Subdivision):
A flash flood in this area led to the collapse of a small bridge on the Banjar-Bathahar road. A vehicle was also swept away. A cowshed was completely destroyed in the Chehni Patwar Circle, and adjacent agricultural lands suffered substantial damage. Water and debris entered the premises of Government Primary School, Horangad (GPS Horangad), causing further disruption.
Furthermore, damage was reported to the Siyund road, and one temporary shop was washed away due to the sudden water surge.
Relief and Rescue Efforts:
ADC Ashwani Kumar confirmed that rescue operations are in full swing, with search and rescue teams actively deployed in the affected regions. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already been stationed in the district to ensure rapid response in case of emergencies.
“The district administration is on high alert in view of the disaster. Rescue teams are fully prepared and will be dispatched immediately wherever needed. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected individuals,” said ADC Kumar.
Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and efforts are underway to assess the full extent of damage. Citizens in vulnerable areas are being urged to remain vigilant, and temporary shelters are being set up for those displaced by the calamity.
This natural disaster adds to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the Himalayan region, raising fresh concerns about environmental vulnerability and the need for robust disaster preparedness infrastructure.
