Cloudbursts Trigger Flash Floods in Himachal's Kullu; Three Missing

Shimla, June 25 (PTI) - Three individuals were swept away due to cloudbursts that triggered flash floods in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, on Wednesday, resulting in destruction to several homes, a school structure, connecting roads, and small bridges, according to officials.

Incidents of cloudbursts occurred at Jeeva Nallah, Rehla Bihal in Sainj, and Shilagarh in the Gadsa area of the Kullu district.

At Rehla Bihal, three people attempting to retrieve their valuables from their homes were swept away by the floodwaters and are currently missing, officials reported.

Flash floods also impacted Manali and Banjar within the district. Teams have been dispatched to these locations, and search operations are in progress, stated Kullu Additional District Commissioner (ADC) Ashwani Kumar.

There were additional reports of a flash flood in the Brahma Ganga drain in the Manikaran valley. The water has inundated several homes and could cause further damage if it does not recede soon.

Videos capturing the flood's intensity at several locations in Kullu reveal the extent of the destruction, including footage of a vehicle being carried away by muddy waters.

"Heavy rains have persisted since morning, and I have received numerous calls about the damage caused by the rain in Sainj, Tirthan, and Gadsa. I urge residents to stay away from rivers and drains and have instructed the administration to take swift action as people are facing difficulties," stated Banjar MLA Surinder Shauri.

The water levels in the Beas and Sutlej rivers have elevated.

Additionally, police in Lahaul and Spiti reported that the road between Kaza and Samdoh has been blocked at various points by landslides, debris, and overflowing drains.