Himachal Pradesh Flash Floods: 5 Dead, Several Missing as Cloudbursts Trigger Widespread Devastation

Shimla, June 27:At least five people have been confirmed dead and several others remain missing in Himachal Pradesh following a series of devastating cloudbursts and flash floods that struck multiple districts, particularly Kangra and Kullu. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for the region, warning of continued heavy rainfall.

Three more bodies were recovered on Thursday in Kangra district, raising the death toll to five. The floods have severely disrupted normal life, with roads washed away, power supply hampered, and communication lines snapped in several remote areas.

According to reports, a group of 10 workers at the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project were swept away by a powerful surge in the Manuni Khad stream. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with three individuals still reported missing and one survivor rescued from a forested area.

Kangra Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri confirmed that swift action by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and Himachal Pradesh Home Guard volunteers led to the successful rescue of over 250 stranded individuals in the Dharamshala area. On Thursday, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also joined the rescue efforts.

"Some people were swept away in the flash floods. Yesterday, SDRF, local police, and the Home Guard conducted search and rescue operations, recovering two bodies. Today, NDRF joined the operation and three more bodies were recovered," SP Agnihotri told ANI. "Out of the five deceased, four have been identified. Three persons are still missing."

Kullu district, already reeling from previous weather events, continues to face the brunt of the ongoing monsoon fury. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors, avoid crossing streams and rivers, and monitor weather updates closely.

With the IMD's Orange Alert in place, the state government has put all emergency services on high alert and appealed for calm as teams continue rescue and relief efforts.