Devastating Flash Floods in Himachal Pradesh: Families Homeless, Infrastructure Damaged

A significant flash flood caused by a cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district swept away three houses and critically damaged another. Four families were left homeless, but no casualties have been reported. Authorities are assessing the losses and have issued financial assistance to the affected families. Roads and other infrastructure were also severely impacted.

A flash flood triggered by a cloudburst swept away three houses and critically damaged another in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district, leaving four families homeless, officials reported on Thursday.

The deluge struck late Wednesday night, and fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Manali, Raman Sharma, confirmed that the Beas Kund Power House was also damaged. 'Three houses have been washed away while one is endangered,' he revealed.

Immediate financial assistance of Rs 15,000 each has been extended to the four affected families, and temporary arrangements are being facilitated for them, the official stated.

Authorities are currently assessing the overall losses. There are 19 individuals within the impacted families.

Police in Lahaul and Spiti district noted that a section of National Highway-3, which connects Manali with Leh, was closed for vehicular traffic between Dhundi and Palchan Bridge due to the cloudburst at the Anjani Mahadev nullah in Manali.

As a precautionary measure, traffic movement between Lahaul and Spiti and Manali is being diverted via Rohtang Pass. Commuters are advised to travel only if necessary and to drive cautiously, staying aware of potential dangers en route.

Affected infrastructures include fifteen roads – twelve in Mandi, two in Kinnaur, and one in Kangra – which were closed for vehicular traffic. Additionally, 62 transformers suffered damage on Wednesday night, according to the state emergency operation centre.

The Shimla meteorological office issued a 'yellow' alert for heavy rainfall at isolated locations in the state for the next four days, warning of potential damage to plantations, vulnerable structures, and 'kutcha' houses, along with risks of waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Rainfall data reported that the Jatton barrage recorded 95.2 mm of rainfall since Wednesday evening. Other recorded downpours include Palampur with 68 mm, Naina Devi with 42.6 mm, Dharamshala with 35.4 mm, Mehre with 34.1 mm, and both Dalhousie and Baijnath each with 25 mm. Shimla registered 24.8 mm of rain.

Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, forty-nine people have died in rain-related incidents in the state, amounting to estimated losses worth around Rs 389 crore, according to the emergency operation centre.

(With inputs from agencies.)