Cloudburst Ravages Himachal: 3 Dead, Leaves 21 Missing — Seven Himachal Districts Warned

Shimla/ Kullu/Manali (The Uttam Hindu): Himachal Pradesh witnessed nature’s fury as cloudbursts, heavy rainfall and landslides wreaked havoc across multiple districts on Wednesday. Three people lost their lives two in Kangra and one in Chamba, while 21 others mostly labourers, are feared missing. A massive flood in Manuni Khad near Dharamshala swept away workers at the under-construction Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project. The sheds of about 280 workers, largely from Jammu & Kashmir were situated dangerously close to the ravine. So far, bodies of two workers have been recovered and rescue operations by SDRF and the administration are ongoing.

Kullu district reported damage at four locations Sainj, Banjar, Gadsa and Manali where three persons were swept away in sudden floods caused by cloudbursts. Several homes, vehicles, bridges and shops were damaged. Flooding near the Atal Tunnel and in the Brahmaganga Nala left more than a dozen vehicles stranded. In Sainj Valley, three members of a family were washed away while trying to salvage belongings. Roads, power projects and farmland suffered significant destruction. Ministers visiting Banjar were also affected, with one stranded and another forced to cancel an event due to blocked routes.

The Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rain warning for Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Sirmaur, Solan and Una districts. People have been advised to stay away from rivers avoid landslide-prone zones and postpone unnecessary travel. With the water level rising in Chandrabhaga and warnings of further landslides, the administration is on high alert.