Himachal Pradesh Faces Devastating Cloudbursts and Flash Floods
Cloudbursts and flash floods devastated Himachal Pradesh, killing at least two and leaving many missing in Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, and Mandi. The disasters damaged homes, roads, and crops, prompting extensive rescue operations. Himachal Pradesh faces severe cloudbursts and flash floods, causing fatalities and widespread damage in Kangra, Kullu, and Shimla. Learn about the impacts and ongoing rescue efforts.
Himachal Pradesh recently experienced severe cloudbursts and flash floods, causing significant loss of life and property across multiple districts. The disasters disrupted communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Heavy rainfall triggered cloudbursts in Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, and Mandi districts, leading to flash floods that swept away homes, vehicles, and roads. In Kangra’s Manuni Khad, two fatalities were reported, and 15-20 workers at a hydroelectric project site were feared lost when floodwaters inundated their temporary shelters. Rescue operations involving the State Disaster Response Force, local administration, and other agencies were promptly deployed. In Kullu, areas like Nirmand, Sainj, and Malana were severely impacted, with additional missing persons reported. Shimla’s Rampur subdivision, particularly Samej village, saw significant destruction, with multiple homes and bridges washed away. Over 100 roads, including national highways, were blocked due to landslides, and dozens of electricity transformers and water supply schemes were disrupted. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla issued warnings for continued heavy rain, hailstorms, and thunderstorms across nine districts, urging residents to avoid riverbanks and low-lying areas. The state government, in coordination with central authorities, mobilized the Army, National Disaster Response Force, and other agencies to conduct search and rescue operations, using drones and heavy machinery. Agricultural losses were notable, with hailstorms damaging crops in Rampur. The disasters underscored the region’s susceptibility to climate-driven extreme weather, exacerbated by factors like deforestation and unplanned development near rivers.
Conclusion
The cloudbursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh reveal the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. As climate change intensifies such events, authorities must prioritize early warning systems, sustainable land-use policies, and community education to mitigate future risks. The ongoing rescue efforts and recovery measures will be critical in supporting affected communities.
Source: Outlook Business
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