Himachal Pradesh cloudburst: At least 2 killed as flash floods cause devastation; Kullu, Kangra worst hit – Search on for missing
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Himachal Pradesh cloudburst: At least 2 killed as flash floods cause devastation; Kullu, Kangra worst hit – Search on for missing
More than ten reported missing in Kangra as cloudbursts wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, June 25. Triggering flash floods, two persons were killed and many other houses were washed away. Apart from the Kangra district, at least four cloudburst incidents were reported in Banjar, Gadsa, Manikaran, and Sainj of Kullu district. All necessary warnings have been issued as the State Disaster Response Authority (SDRF) keeps the rescue operations active. As the tourist season peaks in the hilly regions of India, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed an orange alert on Shimla.
Kangra’s Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa shared that two bodies have been recovered so far and rescue and search efforts are underway. He revealed that “the victims were working at a small hydroelectric power project near Dharamshala.” Apart from the Kangra district, at least four cloudburst incidents were reported in Banjar, Gadsa, Manikaran, and Sainj of Kullu district.
Increased water levels
The cloudburst triggered a sudden increase in water levels in several parts of the Manali sub-division. All necessary warnings have been issued as the State Disaster Response Authority (SDRF) keeps the rescue operations active. As per the Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh, as caution rises in the valley, “Instructions have been issued to suspend water-sports activities in Kullu.”
Mandi, Himachal Pradesh: Three gates of the Pandoh Dam have been opened following a significant rise in the water level of the Beas River pic.twitter.com/B12wV8O9O9 — IANS (@ians_india) June 25, 2025
Visuals from Mandi appear showing three gates of the Pandoh Dam that have been opened following a significant rise in the water level of the Beas. The foremost objective of the rescue mission, however, remains tracking the missing people to prevent loss of life.
Affected areas
The cloudbursts were reported across multiple areas, including the Brahmaganga region in Manikaran valley, the Gomti river area in Gadsa valley, and parts of Banjar and Sainj. Several smaller streams, such as the Jeeva Nala in Sainj valley, were also affected, leading to widespread damage. In Jeeva Nala, the cloudburst swept away sheds owned by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
The cloudburst in the hills neigbouring the Manikaran valley, swept debris inside several homes with the rising water levels in the Brahmganga River. Officials have urged residents to relocate to elevated and safer locations as a bridge over the Parvati river was swept away amid the torrential rains.
The downpour also flooded other crowded areas in Thural and tribal regions in Lahaul as stream swelled suddenly. An HRTC bus got stranded after part of the road washed away.
As the tourist season peaks in the hilly regions of India, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed an orange alert on Shimla. Very heavy rainfall has been predicted in Kullu, Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmour and Solan.