Intense monsoon rains triggered flash floods across Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, leaving two confirmed dead and several feared missing, particularly in the districts of Kullu and Dharamshala. The disaster follows a series of cloudbursts reported in multiple locations, sparking widespread search and rescue operations.
Officials confirmed that two labourers working at a small hydel project near Khanyara in Dharamshala were swept away due to a sudden rise in the Manuni Khad stream. Their bodies have since been recovered. Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa stated that identification of the deceased is pending and a head count is underway to determine the number of missing individuals.
“A rescue team is at the site. We're still verifying how many workers may be missing,” Bairwa said.
Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma, via social media, claimed that as many as 15–20 labourers could have been washed away. However, the district administration has not yet confirmed this figure, stating that search operations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Kullu district also witnessed widespread devastation after cloudbursts struck three key areas: Jiva Nala in Sainj valley, Hurla Nala in Garsa valley, and Horangad in Banjar subdivision. Three people were reportedly swept away while attempting to salvage goods during the flooding.
Local officials confirmed damage to infrastructure, including the collapse of a small bridge on the Banjar-Bathahad road and the destruction of a cowshed and nearby agricultural land in Horangad. Flash floods also entered the premises of the Government Primary School in Horangad, while Sainj Bazar Road and Siund Road sustained major damage. Four homes were partially damaged in the Raila Bihal area of Sainj valley.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, Ashwani Kumar, assured that the district administration is fully alert and mobilizing resources rapidly. “Relief and rescue teams are ready. The NDRF is already deployed in the district to ensure quick emergency response,” he said.
In light of rising water levels in the Beas River, the Hamirpur District Disaster Management Authority issued an advisory warning residents in Sujanpur and Nadaun subdivisions to stay away from riverbanks. Hamirpur DC Amarjeet Singh cautioned that water may be released at any time from the Pandoh Dam due to upstream cloudbursts.
Mandi DC Apoorv Devgan echoed the warning, emphasizing that downstream areas may see a sudden surge in river levels. “Locals and tourists must avoid rivers and streams, and also keep pets away from the banks,” he said.
In Shimla district, authorities are closely monitoring the Sutlej River. Sub-Divisional Officer Rajesh Verma confirmed that NTPC and SJVN have been instructed to regulate water discharge from dams to avoid flooding in low-lying areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall across Himachal Pradesh through July 1, with isolated spells of heavy rainfall expected in some regions.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed condolences to the families of the deceased labourers and assured all possible support from the state government.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)