Shocking Videos: Cloudbursts and Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Himachal; 2 Dead, 20 Feared Swept Away

Heavy rains trigger flash floods and cloudbursts across Himachal Pradesh, leaving a trail of destruction in Kangra and Kullu districts. Search operations are underway as 20 people remain missing.

Shimla | June 26, 2025:
At least two people have died and around 20 are feared swept away after torrential rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods battered several regions of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday.

The disaster has caused widespread destruction in Kangra, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti districts, triggering a massive search and rescue operation.

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The most severe incident occurred near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project site in Kangra’s Khaniyara area, where floodwaters from the overflowing Manuni Khad and nearby drains engulfed a labour colony. Officials said the workers were taking shelter in temporary camps after construction work was halted due to rain. Two bodies have been recovered so far, while 15-20 workers remain unaccounted for.

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Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local administration, and panchayat members have been deployed for rescue efforts amid continued rainfall and rising water levels in the Beas and Sutlej rivers. BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma from Dharamsala confirmed the number of missing workers in a social media post.

In Kullu district, cloudbursts were reported from Jeeva Nallah, Rehla Bihal (Sainj), and Shilagarh (Gadsa), resulting in flash floods that swept away homes, roads, shops, and bridges. Three individuals trying to salvage their belongings in Rehla Bihal went missing and are feared drowned. Videos circulating online show vehicles being carried away by muddy torrents.

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The Banjar region was severely hit with a bridge washed away in Hornagad, while floodwaters entered a school and damaged farmland and cattle shelters. “I’ve received numerous calls from residents in Sainj, Tirthan, and Gadsa. The damage is immense,” said Banjar MLA Surinder Shauri, urging locals to avoid rivers and drains.

The Manali-Chandigarh highway was partially eroded near Manali as the surging Beas River sliced into the road, though traffic has not yet been completely halted. In Lahaul-Spiti, landslides, debris, and overflowing drains have blocked key stretches, including the Kaza-Samdoh road.

The state has witnessed relentless rain since Tuesday evening. According to the Meteorological Department, Palampur recorded the highest rainfall at 145.5 mm, followed by Jogindernagar (113 mm), and Nahan (99.8 mm). Gusty winds and thunderstorms were reported in Sundernagar and Kangra, with wind speeds reaching 56 kmph in Tabo.

Temperature extremes were also noted, with Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti the coldest at 13.1°C and Una the warmest at 33.6°C.
The MeT department has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in several districts till June 29 and cautioned of low to moderate flash flood risk in Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur.

As rescue efforts continue in hostile conditions, officials urge residents in vulnerable areas to remain indoors and follow safety advisories.

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