Cloudbursts Trigger Flash Floods in Himachal Pradesh; 2 Dead, Over 10 Missing

Shimla, June 26, 2025: Two people were killed and over ten went missing after cloudbursts triggered devastating flash floods on Wednesday in the Kangra and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh, officials confirmed. The natural disaster, which occurred following intense monsoon rainfall, damaged infrastructure, swept away homes and vehicles, and led to several people going missing. Rescue operations are currently underway in both districts, led by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

In Kangra district, two bodies were recovered near Dharamshala after around 15 workers at a small hydroelectric power project were washed away by the sudden surge of water. “We have recovered two bodies so far. Efforts are underway to trace the others,” said Hemraj Bairwa, Deputy Commissioner of Kangra, while speaking to The Indian Express. He also stated that a list of missing workers has been sought from the project's contractor.

In Kullu district, at least four cloudbursts were reported in Banjar, Gadsa, Manikaran, and Sainj. 

“Three persons went missing after cloudbursts in the areas of Banjar sub-division — Sainj valley — in Kullu; two to three houses were also washed away," Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Raveesh said while speaking to The Indian Express. "Besides, the water level has also increased in many parts of the Manali subdivision. Instructions have also been issued to suspend water-sports activities in Kullu."

In the Manikaran valley, a cloudburst struck the Brahmaganga area, raising river levels and pushing debris into residential areas. The surge displaced families and swept away a temporary bridge over the Parvati River, cutting off Baladhi village from surrounding areas. Locals had constructed the bridge after a previous disaster destroyed it in 2024.

“Cloudbursts were also reported in the Gomti river area in the Gadsa valley, including Banjar and Sainj,” an official who was part of the rescue operations revealed. He added that several other streams, including the Jeeva Nala in the Sainj Valley, were also hit by cloudbursts, causing significant damage. “In Jeeva Nala (Sainj), the cloudburst swept away sheds owned by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC),” he said.

A two-hour downpour submerged the Thural market in Kangra, disrupting daily activities. In the tribal Udaipur sub-division of Lahaul, a swollen stream damaged the Chokhang–Nainghar road, stranding an HRTC bus and suspending vehicular movement. Additionally, the rising water level of the Chandrabhaga River led to the collapse of a suspension bridge near Jasrath village, cutting off an irrigation scheme.

Construction soil dumped downstream obstructed a stream near Dekhchhu in Dharampur on the Jalandhar-Attari-Mandi Highway. The blockage created a temporary lake, which submerged a temple, an inn, and a cremation ground.

The Himachal Pradesh Police has urged residents to stay away from hillsides and water bodies and avoid unnecessary travel. All district superintendents of police have been directed to activate emergency protocols and ensure public safety in vulnerable areas.

Source: The Indian Express