Multiple cloudbursts and heavy rainfall have triggered flash floods and caused significant destruction across Himachal Pradesh. Rescue operations are underway, and authorities have issued alerts for more rain ahead.
Himachal Pradesh is reeling from a series of cloudbursts and intense monsoon rains that have led to widespread flooding, infrastructure damage and the loss of lives. At least two people have died and over a dozen are missing after sudden cloudburst events struck various parts of the state on June 25. The districts of Kullu and Kangra have been among the worst affected, with several reports of washed away homes, vehicles, and key infrastructure.
Officials confirmed that a labour colony near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project in Kangra was one of the severely hit areas. Here, rising water levels in the Khaniyara Manuni Khad stream led to sudden flooding, sweeping away shelters and workers. Two bodies have been recovered so far, while many remain unaccounted for. In Kullu, three individuals and three houses were swept away as flash floods overwhelmed villages. Rescue operations have been launched by the State Disaster Response Force along with local authorities, and temporary shelters have been set up for survivors.
The situation remains grim across the region. Four separate cloudbursts were recorded in Banjar, Gadsa, Manikaran, and Sainj in Kullu. These events, combined with steady rainfall, have triggered landslides and swollen rivers throughout the state. Video footage from the affected districts shows debris filled floodwaters crashing through homes and markets. Roads have been cut off in multiple places, and power outages have been reported in several rural zones.
One of the key highways, the Manali Chandigarh National Highway, has suffered damage near Manali due to the overflowing Beas River. While the road is still functional, the risk remains high. In Manikaran, a cloudburst near the Brahmaganga River resulted in a large amount of debris flowing into residential areas, forcing families to evacuate. A temporary bridge connecting Baladhi village to Manikaran valley was destroyed as water levels rose suddenly, isolating the village from the main route. The bridge, which had been built by locals after a disaster in 2024, is now gone.
Meanwhile, Kangra’s Thural area saw two hours of relentless rain that flooded local markets, disrupting daily life and commerce. In the Udaipur sub division of Lahaul, a sudden surge in a nearby stream damaged the Chokhang–Nainghar road, bringing all traffic to a halt. A state run HRTC bus was left stranded as a section of the road collapsed. Public Works officials have started emergency repairs.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for several districts including Kullu, Bilaspur, Kangra, Shimla, Solan, and Mandi. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in the next 24 hours, and residents are advised to avoid unnecessary movement. All district police heads have been instructed to monitor sensitive areas and ensure emergency contacts are widely circulated.
Authorities are urging travellers and residents to stay informed, avoid water bodies, and remain vigilant, especially in landslide prone areas. The police and disaster teams continue to work round the clock to ensure timely evacuations and restore connectivity.
For those planning to travel in or through Himachal Pradesh in the coming days, it is strongly advised to check local weather and road status updates before departure.
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