Monsoon Havoc: Multiple Cloudbursts Wipe Out Bridges, Homes, and Roads, Himachal Suffers ₹2000 Crore Loss

Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): The monsoon in Himachal Pradesh has turned devastating, with a series of five cloudbursts in different parts of the state overnight causing large-scale destruction. Kullu, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and border areas of Shimla bore the brunt of nature’s fury as bridges, vehicles, houses, and shops were swept away, inflicting massive losses to public and private property.

Miraculously, no casualties have been reported so far, but the infrastructure damage is staggering. Authorities have closed two national highways and over 325 roads as rescue and relief operations intensify.

Ground Zero of the Destruction

Kullu–Shimla: The worst-hit areas include Banjar Valley in Kullu and Rampur subdivision of Shimla. Homes were damaged, five vehicles swept away, and two bridges collapsed. In Rampur, flash floods in the Nanti Khad washed away four bridges, two houses, five shops, and apple orchards. An ambulance and an HRTC bus were trapped, while three panchayats remain completely cut off.

Kinnaur: In Rishi Dogri Valley, a cloudburst triggered flash floods that destroyed a key bridge over the Sutlej River. One person was injured. Rising water levels forced authorities to open the gates of the Karcham Wangtoo and Nathpa dams.

Lahaul–Spiti: In Mayad Valley, the Karpat village faced imminent danger, prompting the evacuation of nearly two dozen families to safer locations.

Alerts and Closures

The Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi, with a Yellow Alert in place from Friday to Sunday. Schools and colleges have been shut in Kullu’s Banjar area, Mandi’s Gohar, Shimla’s Jubbal, and Una district. Authorities have urged people to avoid rivers, streams, and unnecessary travel.

Army Steps In with Drone Relief

Following floods in Hojis Lungpa Nallah in Kinnaur, the Indian Army has taken charge of rescue operations, delivering food and supplies to stranded residents using logistics drones (LDHA). The Army also evacuated trapped civilians and rushed an injured person to Rekong Peo Regional Hospital.

Rising Toll of Monsoon Disaster

Since the monsoon onset on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has suffered losses exceeding ₹2,031 crore. So far, 126 lives have been lost, 36 people remain missing, and the state has witnessed 63 flash floods, 31 cloudbursts, and 57 major landslides.