June 26, 2025: At least two people have lost their lives and ten others remain missing after devastating Himachal flash floods triggered by cloudbursts struck the Kangra and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday evening.
The cloudbursts caused a sudden surge in water levels in the Manuni Khad near Khaniyara, sweeping away workers stationed at a labour colony adjacent to the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project site. According to Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, two State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, home guards, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for search and rescue operations.
“Six workers are feared swept away at the hydro project site. One person was seen running towards a hill and is still untraceable. Others have been rescued safely,” said the DC.
The deceased and missing reportedly include labourers from Nurpur, Chamba, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Families are being contacted as rescue operations intensify.
Political Reactions and Accountability
BJP national president J.P. Nadda expressed grief over the incident, stating,
“Every BJP worker stands ready to help in this hour of crisis. I pray for the strength of the bereaved families.”
Sudhir Sharma, BJP MLA from Dharamshala, who rushed to the site, criticized the project’s management for negligence.
“Sheds were built dangerously close to the drain, and no precautions were taken despite heavy rain warnings. This is criminal negligence and must be investigated,” he said.
He also demanded compensation for the families of the deceased.
Kullu District Also Affected
In Rehla Bihal area of Sainj in Kullu district, three people were washed away while trying to save belongings from their homes. Cloudbursts were also reported from Jeeva Nallah and Shilagarh in the Gadsa area.
Flash floods hit Manali and Banjar as well, prompting widespread search efforts across affected zones.
Project Work Suspended
Officials revealed that project activities had been halted due to the weather, but workers were sheltering in temporary camps when floodwaters swept through.
Ongoing Efforts
As of Thursday afternoon, rescue operations continue with urgency, aided by district authorities and national agencies. With unpredictable weather patterns and increasing rainfall, Himachal Pradesh remains on high alert.