On Wednesday, devastating flash floods triggered by cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district resulted in the deaths of two individuals, with over 15 others reported missing. Reports indicate that three additional people were swept away in Kullu district due to the same weather phenomenon.
According to Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, two bodies have been recovered in Kangra so far. The situation escalated when approximately 15 to 20 workers at a labor colony near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project site in Khaniyara were feared to have been carried away by the rising waters of the Manuni river.
The construction work had been halted due to heavy rainfall, and the workers were resting in temporary shelters when the floodwaters surged towards their colony, leading to the tragic incident.
Local MLA Sudhir Sharma confirmed that around 15 to 20 workers were missing, stating, "All of them were living in sheds built along the banks of the khad." The Bharatiya Janata Party described the event as an unprecedented tragedy.
Search and rescue operations are currently underway, led by personnel from the State Disaster Response Force and local administration. Bairwa mentioned that efforts are being made to identify the missing individuals, and a detailed list of workers employed at the site has been requested from the contractor.
In Kullu district, cloudbursts were reported in areas such as Banjar, Gadsa, Manikaran, and Sainj. Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh noted that three individuals went missing in the Banjar sub-division, and several houses were also washed away.
The water levels in various regions of the Manali sub-division have risen significantly, prompting authorities to issue warnings. Raveesh confirmed that the State Disaster Response Authority is actively conducting rescue operations in Kullu and is in constant communication with the National Disaster Response Force. He emphasized that locating the missing individuals is the top priority and announced the suspension of water sports activities in Kullu.
An official also reported cloudbursts in the Brahmaganga region of the Manikaran valley and the Gomti river area in Gadsa valley, which caused extensive damage. The Jeeva Nala in Sainj valley was particularly affected, with cloudbursts washing away structures belonging to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation.
In response to the severe weather, the Himachal Pradesh Police issued an advisory urging personnel to remain vigilant and activate emergency response teams. Officials have been directed to assess vulnerable areas and provide emergency contact information to the public.
