Himachal Pradesh has been struck by another devastating cloudburst, resulting in flash floods that have claimed lives and caused widespread destruction. The recent deluge hit the Kangra district particularly hard, where at least two people have died, and approximately 20 others are feared to have been swept away by the raging waters.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as intense monsoon showers lashed the region. The cloudburst triggered a surge in the Manuni Khad, a stream near Khaniyara, leading to a catastrophic overflow that engulfed a nearby labor colony. According to officials, the colony housed workers associated with the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project. Work at the project site had been temporarily suspended due to the heavy rainfall, and the workers were resting in their shelters when the flash flood struck with overwhelming force.
Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local administration, gram panchayat members, and revenue department officials, swiftly responded to the scene to initiate search and rescue operations. Despite their efforts, the challenging weather conditions have hampered rescue efforts. While some local workers connected to the project have been confirmed safe, concerns remain high for those still missing. Dharamsala's BJP MLA, Sudhir Sharma, shared on social media that approximately 20 workers were feared to have been swept away in the disaster.
The impact of the cloudburst extends beyond Kangra district. Kullu district has also suffered significant damage due to flash floods triggered by cloudbursts in multiple locations, including Jiwanala in Sainj valley, Shillagarh in Gadsa, Hornagad in Banjar, and Manikaran's Brahma Ganga Nala. The cloudburst in Jiwanala swept away a jeep and a 1 MW hydropower project, and damaged the Sainj Bazar road and Siund link road, along with a temporary shop. Four houses in Raila Bihal were severely damaged and three persons were reportedly washed away while attempting to retrieve belongings. Panic spread across the valley as water surged downstream, washing away seven culverts between Bihali and Larji. In Banjar subdivision, a small bridge and a vehicle were washed away by floods in Hornagad. A cowshed was destroyed and water entered the Government Primary School Hornagad, damaging the premises.
Adding to the woes, approximately 20 to 25 tourists are reportedly stranded on the Kyoto-Chicham link road in the tribal Lahaul-Spiti region due to flash floods.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an Orange Alert, warning of heavy rainfall and potential for severe weather, which has unfortunately proven accurate. The heavy precipitation has also increased the risk of landslides in vulnerable areas, causing further disruption and damage to infrastructure.
Local authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, with disaster response teams working tirelessly to reach affected areas and provide assistance to those in need. The state government is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
