Nature’s Wrath: Himachal Battles Floods Again as Rains Reopen Old Wounds
The relentless downpour in parts of Himachal Pradesh has once again turned life upside down, leaving behind a trail of fear and destruction. Just as the state was trying to heal from the scars of past floods, heavy rains have struck Kullu district with a vengeance, reawakening painful memories.
In the picturesque Tirthan Valley, known for its serene beauty, the Horn Gad stream transformed into a raging force, sweeping away cars like toys. Locals watched helplessly as the furious waters carried away whatever came in their path. Miraculously, no lives were lost—a small relief in an otherwise grim situation.
The Sainj Valley wasn’t spared either. The Jiva Nala, swollen from the relentless rain, devoured a vital bridge and two footbridges, cutting off crucial connections. “We hadn’t even recovered from the last disaster,” said a shaken resident, “and now this… it feels like nature is testing us.”
Meanwhile, in Parvati Valley, the tranquil Brahma Ganga and Khir Ganga rivers turned into monsters, their waters inching dangerously close to homes. Families spent sleepless nights, fearing the worst. The Kullu administration has been urging people to stay away from rivers, but for many living along these water bodies, it’s easier said than done.
With the Larji Dam’s gates opened to manage the rising waters, anxiety looms large. The Met Department’s warning of more rain has only added to the unease. “Every time it rains now, our hearts sink,” shared a local shopkeeper. “We keep looking at the rivers, wondering if today will be the day they breach again.”
Adding to the tension, NHPC Stage III has alerted residents that dam water may be released anytime, urging them to stay vigilant.