At least two people have been confirmed dead and over a 10 feared missing after multiple cloudbursts triggered devastating flash floods across various districts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, according to official sources.
Water sports activities have been suspended after at least four cloudbursts were reported in Banjar, Gadsa, Manikaran, and Sainj areas of Kullu district, officials said.
Himachal Pradesh, Kangra District Cloudbursts: Two Dead, Ten Missing
In Kangra, two bodies have been recovered, and at least ten individuals are reported missing following a cloudburst near Dharamshala. The victims were workers at a small hydroelectric power project. District officials are coordinating with contractors to obtain a detailed list of all employees at the site.
“We have recovered two bodies so far. and efforts are underway to trace people who got washed away in Kangra on Wednesday… The victims were working at a small hydroelectric power project near Dharamshala, Kangra. We have sought a detailed list of workers employed at the plant from the contractor concerned,” said Hemraj Bairwa, Deputy Commissioner of Kangra.
Kullu District: Three Missing, Homes Swept Away
In the Kullu district, four cloudburst incidents were reported in Banjar, Gadsa, Manikaran, and Sainj. Three persons went missing in the Sainj valley area of Banjar sub-division, where rising water levels also swept away two to three houses.
Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Raveesh said that three persons went missing after cloudbursts in the areas of Banjar sub-division — Sainj valley — in Kullu; two to three houses were also washed away. Furthermore, the water level also increased in the area.
“Cloudbursts in the Sainj valley and Manali region have caused significant damage. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are on the ground, and we’re coordinating with the NDRF. All water sports in Kullu have been suspended,” said Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Raveesh.
Cloudbursts were also reported in the Brahmaganga area of Manikaran valley, and in the Gomti River region of Gadsa valley. In Sainj, a cloudburst over Jeeva Nala washed away several sheds belonging to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
Himachal Pradesh Infrastructure Damage and Rising Water Levels due to cloudbursts
In Manikaran’s Baladhi village, a temporary bridge over the Parvati River—constructed by villagers after a previous disaster in 2024—was swept away, severing access to the area. The rising river levels forced residents to evacuate.
Meanwhile, in Kangra’s Thural area, heavy rainfall flooded the local market, causing disruption to daily life. In the tribal Udaipur sub-division of Lahaul, flash floods blocked the Chokhang–Nainghar road after a nearby stream overflowed. An HRTC bus was stranded due to road damage, prompting immediate repairs by the Public Works Department. A suspension bridge near Jasrath village collapsed due to rising levels in the Chandrabhaga River, disrupting a key irrigation project.
Orange Alert Issued by IMD
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shimla, has issued an orange alert and yellow alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall across several districts including Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Chamba, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Sirmour, Solan, and Una. The alert will remain in effect till Thursday evening.
Rainfall Recorded (Last 24 Hours)
- Palampur – 145.4 mm
- Jogindernagar – 113.0 mm
- Nahan – 94.0 mm
- Baijnath – 85.0 mm
- Paonta Sahib – 58.4 mm
- Gohar – 55.0 mm
- Kangra – 37.4 mm
- Jot – 30.0 mm
- Raipur Maidan – 29.2 mm
- Amb – 25.6 mm
- Kasauli – 22.0 mm
Authorities urge residents to remain alert, avoid riverbanks, and follow weather updates as more rain is expected.
