Torrential rains, flash floods and snowfall wreak havoc in Himachal; roads closed, water and power supply affected
PTC Web Desk: Himachal Pradesh has been battered by relentless rainfall and heavy snowfall, severely impacting normal life in Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba and Shimla. Flash floods, landslides, and road closures have brought transportation to a standstill. The authorities have issued an orange alert, warning of further heavy rain and snow, while ongoing rescue operations continue in affected regions.
Kullu district faces torrential rain and flash floods
Since early morning, torrential rainfall has disrupted daily life in Kullu district. Flash floods triggered by overflowing water streams have inundated several areas, blocking roads and stranding vehicles.
Shastri Nagar was among the worst-hit spots, where debris from a nearby nullah blocked traffic and buried multiple parked vehicles. In Khori Ropa, a parking lot was submerged in knee-deep water, trapping vehicles. Water also entered homes in Inner Akhara Bazar, forcing residents to evacuate.
Power supply in Kullu and Bhuntar towns has been completely cut off since last night, causing immense hardship amid freezing temperatures. Meanwhile, higher reaches of Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Chamba have witnessed heavy snowfall, exacerbating transportation difficulties.
Disaster strikes in Chhota Bhanghal Valley
Luwai village in the remote Chhota Bhanghal valley, about 70 km from Kullu, was devastated by a cloudburst and heavy rainfall. The disaster resulted in four vehicles being buried under debris, while 14 houses and a local middle school building sustained severe damage.
The region has been experiencing uninterrupted rain for 48 hours, leading to power outages in multiple villages due to uprooted electricity poles. Landslides and fallen trees have blocked all major roads connecting Multhan, Luhardi, Barot, and Kothi Kohar, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. Many areas remain inaccessible due to snow-covered roads and fallen boulders.
The authorities have opened floodgates at two hydroelectric projects to mitigate the rising water levels. Several camping sites along Uhal River have suffered extensive damage. The district administration has advised locals and tourists to stay away from rivers and streams, as more rain is expected over the next 24 hours.
Despite the grave situation, locals in Chhota Bhanghal have expressed concern that rescue operations have not yet started. Baijnath MLA Kishori Lal assured that relief teams have been dispatched and directed the authorities to expedite rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Himachal’s road network severely affected
The state has recorded widespread snowfall and rainfall over the past 24 hours, resulting in the closure of over 200 roads and disruption of essential services, including power and water supply.
In Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba, several villages remain cut off, while Dodra-Kwar in Shimla district is completely isolated due to heavy snowfall. Schools in Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba have been shut as a precautionary measure.
National Highway 5 (Hindustan-Tibet Road) has been closed near Narkanda due to icy road conditions, forcing the police to divert traffic through the Luhri-Sunni route. Officials reported 12 additional road closures in Shimla district.
Bus hit by falling rocks on Kiratpur-Manali highway
A private bus met with an accident near Banala in Mandi district when falling rocks struck it on the Kiratpur-Manali highway. The bus overturned, injuring the driver and conductor, who were taken to a nearby health centre for treatment
Flash Flood threat in Manikaran valley
A flash flood warning has been issued in Tosh village, located in Kullu’s Manikaran Valley, after an artificial lake formed in Jeera Nallah. The authorities have evacuated residents living downstream as a precautionary measure.
Additionally, an avalanche threat looms large in higher-altitude regions due to fresh snowfall. The meteorological department has issued an orange warning for Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kinnaur, and areas above 2,300 metre in Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, Kangra, and Kullu-Manali.
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Weather alerts and temperature drop
The Himachal Pradesh Meteorological Department has forecast continued precipitation with light to moderate snowfall in most high-altitude regions. An orange alert remains in place for very heavy snowfall in Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and the upper reaches of Chamba. Other areas, including Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, and Chamba, are expected to experience heavy rain and snow.
Shimla received continuous rainfall overnight, prompting a yellow alert for additional rain and light snowfall in the city and surrounding areas. However, educational institutions in Shimla remain open.
Tabo in Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest temperature at -4.5°C, while Nahan was the warmest at 23.2°C during the day.
Authorities issue advisory
The authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in avalanche-prone regions. The following roads remain blocked due to heavy snowfall: Darcha-Shinkula, Darcha-Sarchu, Koksar-Manali via Rohtang, Koksar to Losar via Kunzum, Atal Tunnel to Manali, Tindi, and Udaipur
Tourists and residents have been advised to refrain from visiting high-altitude areas prone to landslides and avalanches.
- With inputs from agencies
