In a devastating turn of events, Cloudburst Hits Himachal has become the grim headline yet again, as torrential rain and sudden cloudbursts ravaged several regions of the hill state, particularly Kangra and Kullu districts. The catastrophe has left two confirmed dead and over 20 missing, with ongoing rescue operations in full swing. The natural calamity has not only cost human lives but also caused widespread damage to infrastructure, roads, schools, and local communities.
Sudden Cloudburst and Flash Floods Rock Kangra
The disaster unfolded on Wednesday when a cloudburst hit Himachal in Kangra district. Torrential rainfall led to a massive surge in water levels in the Manuni Khad, a river stream, which swept away everything in its path. Among the most heart-wrenching developments was the tragedy near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project, where a labour colony housing around 15 to 20 workers was hit by the sudden flooding. The workers, taking shelter in temporary accommodations as project operations were suspended due to rain, were caught unawares when floodwaters rushed in.
Authorities have recovered two bodies from the Manuni Khad so far. Efforts are ongoing to trace the missing, with multiple teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local administration, the revenue department, and gram panchayat coordinating the rescue operations. Some local workers affiliated with the hydroelectric project have been found safe, but the fate of the others remains uncertain.
This tragic incident underscores the deadly force of nature when a cloudburst hits Himachal, especially in ecologically fragile and rain-sensitive zones like Kangra.
Kullu Suffers Parallel Tragedy
While Kangra grappled with the floodwaters, Kullu district was not spared either. In three separate cloudburst events, water levels surged across Jeeva Nallah, Rehla Bihal in Sainj, and Shilagarh in Gadsa. Three people in Rehla Bihal, who were attempting to retrieve valuables from their homes, were tragically washed away in the floodwaters and are currently missing.
Further reports from Manali and Banjar subdivisions highlighted the extent of devastation. Flash floods wreaked havoc, damaging homes, schools, agricultural lands, and infrastructure. In Banjar, a bridge was completely washed away due to the sudden rise in water levels in the Hornagad area. The floods also damaged a government school, agricultural fields, and even a cowshed, reflecting the wide-ranging destruction.
As the cloudburst hits Himachal, the damage is not just confined to property—it strikes at the heart of daily life, robbing communities of their livelihoods, security, and peace of mind.
National Highway Partially Damaged, Rivers in Spate
The Beas River, swollen with floodwaters, partially damaged the Manali-Chandigarh National Highway, cutting into the road and rendering parts of it unsafe for travel. Though vehicular movement is still being managed, the condition of the highway remains precarious.
Video footage emerging from affected areas in Kullu vividly showcases the crisis. In one widely shared clip, a vehicle is seen floating in turbulent, muddy waters, underscoring the raw power of nature when a cloudburst hits Himachal.
Both the Beas and Sutlej rivers are currently witnessing dangerously high water levels, and the likelihood of further flooding cannot be ruled out.
Landslides Add to the Chaos
As is often the case when a cloudburst hits Himachal, the deluge also triggers landslides. The Kaza to Samdoh road in Lahaul and Spiti district is obstructed at several points due to landslides, falling debris, and overflowing drains. Commuters and locals alike have been warned to avoid the stretch unless absolutely necessary.
With more rainfall expected, these conditions may deteriorate even further, potentially isolating entire villages or districts from essential supplies and rescue efforts.
Weather Office Sounds Orange Alert
In response to the severity of the situation, the Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert warning of heavy rainfall in isolated parts of four to seven districts through June 29. This includes areas already hit by the floods, increasing the urgency for precautionary measures.
Specifically, the MeT office has cautioned of low to moderate flash flood risk in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur until Thursday evening. Given the saturated soil conditions and rising water bodies, these areas remain on high alert.
When a cloudburst hits Himachal, the chain reaction it sets off—from overflowing rivers and landslides to damaged infrastructure—can quickly overwhelm both communities and local administrations.
Humanitarian and Administrative Response
As news of the devastation spread, administrative machinery was quickly mobilized. Rescue and relief operations were set up at critical sites, with a special focus on locating the 20+ missing persons. Temporary shelters, food, and medical aid have been arranged for displaced families, particularly in Kullu and Kangra districts.
The SDRF, local authorities, and district administration have also been coordinating with local panchayats to assess damage and compile lists of the missing. In some areas, makeshift bridges and alternative routes are being created to restore basic connectivity.
For a region frequently prone to natural disasters, the repeated occurrence of events like these raises questions about disaster preparedness and early warning systems. Each time a cloudburst hits Himachal, it highlights gaps in infrastructure and the urgent need for climate-resilient planning.
Environmental Warning and Climate Link
Experts have long warned that the Himalayan region, particularly states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events due to climate change. Rapid deforestation, unchecked construction, and ecological imbalance make the region even more susceptible when a cloudburst hits Himachal.
Rainfall patterns are becoming more erratic, with prolonged dry spells followed by intense bursts of rain. This sudden influx of water often overwhelms rivers, drains, and the already fragile hill slopes, triggering floods and landslides.
Policymakers must now take a hard look at the development model adopted in the region. Sustainable infrastructure, better rainwater drainage systems, and stricter construction norms in ecologically sensitive areas are the need of the hour.
Looking Ahead
With the orange alert in place till June 29 and rescue efforts still underway, Himachal Pradesh remains on edge. As families await news of their missing loved ones and local authorities battle against the odds, the heartbreak is palpable.
If this calamity proves anything, it’s that whenever a cloudburst hits Himachal, the cost is measured not just in economic damage but in human lives, lost heritage, and irreparable trauma.
Conclusion
As the monsoon intensifies, the possibility of further disasters looms. Continuous monitoring, quicker relief response, and public awareness are crucial. This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call for authorities and citizens alike. The day cloudburst hits Himachal becomes a recurring headline, it becomes clear that long-term solutions are no longer optional—they’re essential.