Cloudbursts Ravage Kullu and Kangra: 2 Dead, 13 Missing in Himachal Flash Floods

Shimla, June 26: A series of cloudbursts struck Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu and Kangra districts on Wednesday, leaving at least two people dead and 13 others missing as powerful flash floods swept through villages, roads, and riverbanks. Dramatic visuals from the region showed vehicles, houses, and even entire stretches of roads being devoured by churning muddy torrents, underscoring the scale of destruction.

In Kullu district, three cloudbursts were reported — at Jeeva Nallah and Rehla Bihal in Sainj, and Shilagarh in Gadsa. Among those missing are three individuals who were trying to salvage valuables from their homes when they were washed away by sudden floodwaters. Officials report widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and a school building in the area.

Kullu Additional Deputy Commissioner Ashwani Kumar confirmed that flash floods also impacted Manali and Banjar, while the Brahma Ganga drain in the Manikaran valley overflowed, flooding homes and threatening further damage. Local BJP MLA Surender Shourie described the situation as dire, noting heavy rainfall and significant losses in Sainj, Tirthan, and Garsa Valleys. “A bridge has been swept away near Garsa. We are requesting residents to stay away from rivers and streams,” he urged.

In Kangra district, two bodies were recovered, and nearly 10 people are feared missing after flash floods struck a hydroelectric power project near Dharamshala. Workers were caught off guard by the rapidly rising waters.

“We have recovered two bodies so far, and search operations are ongoing to trace those still missing,” said Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, who also confirmed that authorities are seeking a full list of workers from the project’s contractor.

Authorities have issued statewide warnings, citing rising water levels in the Beas and Sutlej rivers. In Lahaul and Spiti, the Kaza-Samdoh route remains blocked due to landslides and overflowing drains, adding to the logistical nightmare for rescue teams.

As search and rescue efforts intensify, the Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Authority has urged citizens to remain indoors, avoid flood-prone zones, and monitor official advisories closely.