Himachal Pradesh Cloudburst Tragedy: Over 30 Missing After Devastating Cloudbursts in Shimla and Kullu

A series of devastating cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh have left over 30 people missing, with the worst-hit areas being Shimla and Kullu. The Himachal Pradesh cloudburst has caused widespread destruction, prompting immediate rescue and relief efforts by local authorities and disaster response teams.

Himachal Pradesh- Since Wednesday night, at least three cloudbursts were reported in the region. Rampur in Shimla witnessed one cloudburst, while Kullu experienced two. This sudden and intense weather phenomenon has resulted in the disappearance of 36 individuals, including 17 women and 19 men. The majority of the missing, 33 people, are from Rampur, and the remaining three are from Kullu.

In response to the disaster, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu convened an emergency meeting at the state secretariat on Thursday. The meeting aimed to review the situation comprehensively and coordinate the relief efforts. The Chief Minister’s prompt action underscores the gravity of the situation and the state’s commitment to addressing the crisis.

Anupam Kashyap, the Deputy Commissioner of Shimla, stated that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and local rescue units were immediately dispatched to the affected areas. Senior officials, including Sanjeev Gandhi, Superintendent of Police, and Nishant Tomar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Rampur, are leading the on-ground operations.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Special Home Guard have joined the rescue efforts. Essential services, including ambulances, are on-site to provide immediate assistance. A coordination committee chaired by the Additional Deputy Commissioner has been established to streamline the relief and rescue operations. This committee includes representatives from the police, home guard, fire brigade, Sunni Dam management, and other departments.

Destruction in Rampur & Kullu

The cloudburst in Rampur near the Samej Khad hydroelectric power project caused substantial damage. A dozen structures, including a government school building, have been reported damaged. Early morning alerts from the District Disaster Management Authority highlighted the severity of the cloudburst, which struck around 1 am on Thursday. Initial reports indicate that 19 people are missing from this area alone, with further unconfirmed reports suggesting additional missing persons in Kullu.

In Kullu district, another cloudburst caused damage in the high mountains of Shrikhand Mahadev. The region has seen significant rainfall, contributing to the swelling of rivers and subsequent flash floods. A particularly dramatic incident occurred in Kullu, where a building collapsed and was swept away by the fierce currents of the Parvati River on Thursday morning. The heavy rains had caused the river to swell and increase its flow rate significantly.

Also Read: Epic Cloudburst in Manali: Flash Floods Disrupt Leh-Manali Road

In the Tosh area of Manikaran, a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst washed away a footbridge and three makeshift sheds, including a liquor shop. Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, Torul S. Raveesh, reported that no casualties were observed in this incident. However, he emphasized the need for caution and urged residents to stay away from rivers and rivulets, and to avoid constructing temporary structures near nallahs.

The disaster has mobilized both community and government efforts to support the affected regions. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate the missing persons and provide relief to those impacted by the cloudbursts. The government has emphasized the importance of preparedness and has called for increased vigilance in vulnerable areas.

The local meteorological office has issued an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rain, with thunderstorms and lightning expected in six districts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday and Thursday. Due to severe rain in several areas on August 2 and 3, a Yellow Alert has been issued. The weather office predicts a prolonged wet spell in the state until August 5, with monsoon activity expected to intensify. Districts such as Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur are anticipated to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days.

The cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla and Kullu have highlighted the region’s vulnerability to sudden and extreme weather events. As the state continues to grapple with the immediate aftermath, the focus remains on rescuing the missing individuals and providing aid to the affected communities.

The coordinated efforts of the government, rescue teams, and local communities are crucial in navigating this challenging period and mitigating further risks.