In a devastating turn of events, Himachal cloudburst floods have caused widespread destruction across the Kangra and Kullu districts. Triggered by sudden low-lying cloudbursts near Dharamshala and Kullu, the floods have led to seven confirmed fatalities, multiple people missing, and massive property damage, with the possibility of more landslides looming due to continued rainfall.
Tragedy Strikes: Death Toll Rises to Seven
As of Friday, seven people have lost their lives, and at least six others remain unaccounted for due to flash floods and landslides.
In Kangra district, heavy rainfall around the Khaniyara area near Dharamshala led to a violent surge in the Manuni Khadd, washing away migrant workers who were working near a private hydropower project.
- On Wednesday, three bodies were discovered in this area.
- On Thursday morning, another labourer’s body was retrieved.
- Two workers are still missing, and rescue operations are intensifying.
Meanwhile, in Kullu’s Sainj region, floodwaters swept away three members of a family, aged 72, 67, and 15, who remain missing. In another incident, a person near the Tirthan River has also been reported missing, bringing the total count of those missing to at least six.
Full-Scale Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue efforts are being led by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police personnel, and local volunteers. Nearly 50 personnel have been deployed across the affected zones.
Key Authorities Leading Operations:
- ADM Kangra and Kullu
- District Disaster Management teams
- Home Guard units
- Local NGOs and panchayat volunteers
District Collector Apurva Devgan issued a firm warning:
“All migrant labourers in flood-prone zones must be shifted immediately to relief shelters. Any delay or disobedience of evacuation orders will attract penalties under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.”
In a coordinated move, officials from PWD, NHAI, Jal Shakti Vibhag, and local bodies have been tasked with conducting rapid assessments, clearing blocked roads, and ensuring clean drinking water supplies in relief shelters.
Weather Woes: Monsoon Alerts Continue
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued a series of alerts, indicating that the worst might not be over yet. The region is under continued threat due to saturated soil, overflowing rivers, and intense rainfall.
Weather Advisory Summary:
- Orange Alert for June 29 across upper Himachal regions
- Yellow Alerts remain in place for Dharamshala, Kullu, Chamba, and other central zones until early July
- Flash flood warnings issued near catchment areas and riverbanks
Recent Rainfall Data:
- Punduh: 139 mm
- Jogindernagar: 73 mm
- Shilaru: 54 mm
- Gaggal: 49 mm
- Banjar and Tissa: Above 40 mm each
Such heavy rainfall has increased the chances of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, particularly in steep hill terrains, narrow valleys, and unregulated construction zones.
Special Focus: Migrant Labourers at High Risk
The worst-affected groups during the Himachal cloudburst floods have been migrant labourers working at hydropower sites and remote construction areas.
- In Khaniyara, nine labourers were reported missing immediately after the Manuni Khadd overflowed.
- In Givanala (Kullu), at least one more worker is unaccounted for after being swept away in a secondary landslide-triggered stream.
Local officials are making migrant rescue and shelter efforts their top priority, coordinating with contractor agencies and gram panchayats to map vulnerable zones.
Public Safety Measures: What You Can Do
If you’re currently in Himachal Pradesh, especially in Kangra or Kullu regions, take the following precautions seriously:
- Avoid all riverbanks, rivulets, and steep slopes
- Evacuate low-lying or landslide-prone zones
- Comply with official orders from police and district authorities
- Check into designated relief camps if you are a migrant worker or tourist
- Stay updated with alerts from the IMD and district control rooms
- Keep emergency contacts handy (local police, 112, disaster helpline)
- Inform family and friends about your whereabouts
The local administration has also launched awareness drives to educate villagers on evacuation drills and to prevent tourist influx into vulnerable trekking areas.
Government Response & Relief Efforts
- Shelters with food and water have been set up in Khaniyara, Palampur, Banjar, and Kullu town.
- Disaster relief compensation for families of the deceased is being processed under SDRF norms.
- The Himachal Pradesh CM’s office is monitoring the situation closely and is in touch with central agencies for additional support if needed.
The Road Ahead: Vigilance & Prevention
The Himachal cloudburst floods have once again highlighted the need for early warning systems, controlled construction in hill areas, and community awareness.
While rescue operations continue, focus is also shifting toward risk mitigation:
- Strengthening flood-control embankments
- Regulating hill-slope constructions
- Conducting real-time weather mapping through satellite imaging
The coming days are critical, especially as rainfall is predicted to intensify again over the weekend. Locals, tourists, and workers are urged to stay put, stay alert, and follow all advisories to the letter.
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