Cloudbursts Trigger Flash Floods in Himachal’s Kullu District; 3 Missing, Widespread Damage Reported

In a tragic turn of events, three individuals went missing after being swept away by powerful flash floods triggered by multiple cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district on Wednesday.

The intense downpour, which began early in the day, led to significant devastation, damaging homes, infrastructure, and threatening lives across the region.

According to official sources, three separate cloudburst incidents were recorded — two in the Jeeva Nallah and Rehla Bihal areas of Sainj, and one in Shilagarh, located in the Gadsa region of Kullu.

These cloudbursts unleashed sudden and forceful torrents of water, flooding local settlements and causing panic among residents.

Tragically, in Rehla Bihal, three individuals who were attempting to salvage their belongings from their homes were caught in the deluge and swept away by the fast-moving floodwaters.

Rescue teams have been dispatched, and search operations are currently ongoing, though the missing individuals remain untraced at this time.

The heavy rains also led to flash floods in other parts of the district, including the tourist hotspots of Manali and Banjar.

The Kullu district administration has deployed teams to the affected areas, with Kullu Additional District Commissioner (ADC) Ashwani Kumar confirming that emergency response and relief efforts are underway.

In the Manikaran valley, a flash flood in the Brahma Ganga drain has further escalated concerns. The rising water level has already entered several homes, and authorities fear that continued rainfall or delayed drainage could lead to further damage.

Dramatic visuals circulating on social media and news platforms reveal the sheer scale of the destruction. In one video, a vehicle can be seen being carried away by a powerful current of muddy floodwaters, underscoring the intensity of the situation.

Speaking to reporters, Banjar MLA Surinder Shauri expressed grave concern over the widespread damage. “Heavy rainfall has persisted since the morning.

I’ve received numerous distress calls from residents of Sainj, Tirthan, and Gadsa. Many families are facing serious difficulties.

I urge everyone to stay away from rivers, streams, and low-lying areas during this period. The administration has been directed to respond swiftly to assist those in need.”

Authorities have also reported a significant rise in the water levels of the Beas and Sutlej rivers, which could pose additional risks to nearby towns and villages if rainfall continues unabated.

In neighboring Lahaul and Spiti districts, the impact of the extreme weather has also been felt.

The police reported that the road from Kaza to Samdoh has been rendered impassable at several points due to landslides, debris accumulation, and overflowing drains.

This has disrupted local transport and stranded commuters, prompting calls for urgent clearance and restoration of connectivity.

With more rain forecast in the coming days, officials have placed local agencies on high alert and are urging residents to follow safety advisories, avoid unnecessary travel, and remain vigilant.

Relief camps and shelters are being set up in affected areas, while authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

The Himachal Pradesh government is expected to hold an emergency review meeting to assess the situation and coordinate further response measures.