A dam collapse in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district has triggered widespread panic and added to the monsoon's trail of destruction in the region. The incident, which occurred at the Malana-I Hydropower Project, was caused by continuous heavy rainfall and sudden flash floods.
The collapse led to a surge of water that swept away heavy machinery and vehicles stationed near the dam site, including a hydra crane, a dumper truck, a rock breaker, and a camper or car. The horrifying footage of the incident has gone viral, showing the force of the gushing water tearing through the site and sending debris downstream.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. However, the incident has caused significant damage and disruption, and has raised concerns about the safety of dams and hydropower projects in the region.
The Parvati River, which merges with the Beas River near Bhuntar, approximately 10 kilometers south of Kullu, has seen a significant rise in water level due to the continuous rainfall and flash floods. This has further exacerbated the situation, posing a threat to downstream areas.
The dam collapse is the latest in a series of rain-related incidents that have wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh. A massive landslide recently struck the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway near Pandoh Dam in the Mandi district, completely blocking traffic and causing a major disruption in the region. Over 50 meters of the highway caved in due to the continuous rainfall.
As of August 2, 2025, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that 383 roads are obstructed, 747 distribution transformers (DTRs) are affected, and 249 water supply schemes are inoperable due to rain-caused damage. Major national highways, including NH-305, NH-505, NH-21, and NH-03, are among the routes rendered impassable by landslides and debris. Numerous interior roads in districts like Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, and Una also remain inaccessible, significantly complicating ongoing rescue and repair efforts.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has reported that 173 people have died in rain-related incidents and road accidents since the start of the monsoon. Of these, 95 fatalities were directly due to rain-triggered events like landslides, flash floods, and house collapses. The remaining 78 deaths occurred in road accidents, often caused by slippery roads and poor visibility.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for more intense rainfall in the coming days. This raises concerns about the possibility of further damage and disruption in the region.
The collapse of the dam and the other rain-related incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of Himachal Pradesh to natural disasters. There is a growing need for better disaster management and preparedness in the state. This includes measures such as early warning systems, better infrastructure, and stricter regulations for hydropower projects.
