At least two individuals have lost their lives, and around seven to ten others are said to be missing after heavy cloudbursts caused severe flash floods in the Kangra and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh, officials reported on Wednesday.
In Khaniyara village of Kangra, emergency responders, officials from the district administration, and police arrived at the scene where two bodies were recovered. Officials indicated that the total count of individuals impacted by the flash floods is still unclear.
Flash floods also impacted the Manali and Banjar regions in the district. Rescue teams have arrived at the location, and search efforts are in progress, stated Kullu Additional District Commissioner (ADC) Ashwani Kumar.
Reports indicate that flash floods have impacted the Brahma Ganga drain in the Manikaran valley. Water levels have risen near multiple homes and may cause damage if they do not lower soon.
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JP Nadda mourns loss of lives
BJP President JP Nadda conveyed sorrow over the fatalities caused by the flash floods and promised the government’s complete assistance in executing rescue efforts.
“Received Sad news about numerous workers being carried away by a sudden rise in water flow in Manuni Khad of Khaniyara close to Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families. During this time of crisis, each BJP worker is committed to offering every possible assistance to the people of Devbhoomi. I pray to God to give peace to the departed souls and to give strength to the families in mourning,” Nadda wrote on X.
On Tuesday morning, the local Met office indicated that heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected over the low- and mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh until June 30, as the southwest monsoon has fully impacted the state.
An orange alert was issued for heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated areas across seven districts—Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur—on Wednesday, along with a yellow alert for heavy rains in nine of the state’s 12 districts, excluding Kullu, Kinnaur, and Lahaul and Spiti on Thursday.
Alerts were issued regarding the discharge of water from the Panhoh dam into the Beas river, and tourists along with residents were urged to keep away from the Beas river.
