Monsoon Fury Returns: Cloudbursts, Flash Floods Disrupt Life Across Himachal
The monsoon once again showed its destructive side in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, as heavy rainfall triggered cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, and damage to critical infrastructure in several districts. The incidents occurred under the influence of an Orange Alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), keeping both residents and authorities on high alert.
A cloudburst was reported from the Jot area above Naged village in Kullu district’s Nirmand block. The sudden downpour in the upper reaches caused the water level in the Naged Khad to rise sharply within a short span of time. As the swollen stream merged with the Kurpan Khad near Chhalir, water levels in the larger watercourse also increased significantly.
Fortunately, officials confirmed that no casualties or damage to property were reported in the incident. However, the event served as another reminder of the unpredictability of monsoon weather in the mountainous region.
Meanwhile, in Shimla district, residents of Samej faced fresh difficulties as heavy rains caused the Mohali Khad to swell dangerously. The strong flow washed away a temporary bridge that had been providing connectivity to local residents, disrupting movement in the area.
The rising waters also affected ongoing riverbank protection work along the Samej Khad. For many residents, the flooding brought back painful memories of the devastating floods that struck the region in 2024. The sight of the surging waters created panic among locals who had witnessed the earlier disaster firsthand. Further compounding the situation, a landslide on the Samej–Sarpara road brought the movement of heavy vehicles to a halt.
Kullu district witnessed another cloudburst in the Shilagarh area of Garsa Valley. What began as a clear morning quickly turned into a tense afternoon as heavy rain lashed the upper reaches of Garsa and the adjoining Tirthan Valley.
The cloudburst triggered flash floods in Pancha Nala and Puliya Nala, sending torrents of water rushing through the valley. A bridge connecting Rahogi village was damaged, leaving around ten households temporarily cut off from road access. Residents watched anxiously as the Garsa Nala flowed in spate, carrying debris and muddy waters downstream.
Preliminary reports indicate that the sudden surge in the water level was caused by a cloudburst in the upper catchment area. District authorities have begun assessing the extent of the damage and are closely monitoring the situation.
With monsoon activity expected to remain active, the Meteorological Centre in Shimla has forecast light to moderate rainfall across much of Himachal Pradesh over the coming days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations, while a Yellow Alert has been issued for parts of Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts.
The administration has urged residents to remain vigilant, stay away from rivers and streams, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, and follow official advisories as the state continues to face challenging weather conditions.
