Cloudbursts struck several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday evening, triggering flash floods in Kullu and Shimla districts. In Kullu’s Anni region, incidents were reported from Bhimdwari near Bagipul and Bathahar, where three to four cottages and an equal number of vehicles were swept away. Heavy rainfall was also recorded in Bhimdwari, though no major damage or casualties have been reported there.
Cloudbursts were also reported in Shrikhand hill in Nirmand subdivision and Bathadh hill of Tirthan Valley in Banjar subdivision of Kullu, and in Nanti area of Shimla’s Rampur on Wednesday night. The Shrikhand hill cloudburst flooded the Kurpan ravine, which led to the evacuation of Bagipul market, while floodwaters caused damage along the ravine’s banks.
In Tirthan Valley, cottages along the river were damaged and several vehicles washed away.
According to Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish, initial reports suggest that three to four cottages and an equal number of vehicles were washed away in Bathahar. Bhimdwari also saw heavy rainfall, but no major damage or casualties have been reported there.
As a preventive measure, the district administration has evacuated people from low-lying areas of Banjar subdivision after the rivers swelled. Emergency teams are on high alert, and officials are keeping a close watch on the situation.
The State Disaster Response Force and the District Disaster Management Authority have advised residents to stay alert and stay away from rivers.
With heavy rain predicted in the Kullu region, the risk of more flash floods and landslides remains high.
With heavy rain predicted in the coming days, officials warn that the risk of more flash floods and landslides in the region remains high. Fresh cloudbursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh since Wednesday have damaged several bridges in Shimla and Lahaul-Spiti districts. Over 300 roads, including two national highways, are closed across the state.
In Shimla district, a police post in Ganvi Ravine was swept away, and a bus stand with nearby shops was damaged due to heavy rain. Two bridges were washed away, cutting off Koot and Kyav panchayats. No loss of life has been reported so far.
In Lahaul-Spiti, two more bridges collapsed after floods in Karpat, Changut, and Udgos Nala in Mayad valley. Karpat village is under threat, and residents have moved to safer places. About ten bighas of farmland have been destroyed, and relief work is in progress.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 325 roads are shut, including NH-305 (Aut–Sainj) and NH-505 (Khab–Gramphoo). Mandi district has the highest number of road closures (179), followed by Kullu with 71.
In Shimla, a tree fell on the Circular Road near Tolland early Wednesday, blocking buses until it was cleared. Smaller vehicles could still pass.
The weather department has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi on Thursday. A yellow alert for heavy rain is in place for four to six districts from Friday to Sunday.
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