Nature’s Fury Unleashed: Himachal Battles Cloudbursts, Floods, and Displacement

A series of cloudbursts across Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday turned serene valleys into scenes of chaos, triggering flash floods that swept away homes, bridges, and roads, and forced families to flee for safety. The devastation unfolded under an orange alert for heavy rainfall, with Bhimdwari, Nanti in Shrikhand, Pooh in Kinnaur, Mayad in Lahaul, and Tirthan Valley in Kullu among the worst affected.

In Ganvi, two sheds were washed away and six others submerged as floods surged through Bhimdwari and Nanti. A local bridge collapsed, and floodwaters even reached the police post. In Tirthan Valley, the destruction was stark—Tilla and Dogra bridges in Banjar were torn apart, Bagipul market was evacuated, and five vehicles along with four empty cottages were swept away by the overflowing Kurpan Khad.

Mayad Valley witnessed the evacuation of Karpat village, with 22 families relocated to safer ground. Villages like Chingut and Udgose saw land and property damaged. Authorities responded swiftly, offering ₹10,000 in interim relief and essential supplies to each affected family.

In Pooh, Kinnaur, a cloudburst in Hojo Nala damaged machinery belonging to a company constructing the Rishi Dogri road for the ITBP camp. Five workers remain trapped, with rescue efforts ongoing.

Across the state, the impact has been widespread—323 roads, including two national highways, are blocked due to landslides and flooding. Power outages and water shortages have hit hard, with 70 transformers and 130 drinking water schemes disrupted. In Nanti and Rampur, floodwaters damaged another bridge and affected the intake system of Greenko Company, prompting further evacuations.

In Majhalli village of Mashiyar Panchayat, a cloudburst in the Phalachan ravine sparked panic among residents. Other districts weren’t spared either—Kangra saw an IndiGo flight canceled due to poor visibility, and multiple homes and cattle sheds were damaged. Chamba reported destruction in 18 schools and several homes, while Hamirpur faced damage to both pucca and kutcha houses.

Despite the widespread destruction, there have been no reported casualties. Relief and restoration efforts are in full swing, but with more heavy rain forecasted, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant.