Unrelenting Monsoon Havoc: Himachal Pradesh Faces Severe Flood Crisis
Himachal Pradesh is once again at the mercy of nature as torrential monsoon rains and deadly cloudbursts cause widespread destruction across multiple regions. The situation has escalated so severely that the state government has ordered the closure of all public and private activities in two districts—Mandi and Kullu—until further notice.
Cloudburst Triggers Catastrophic Flooding in Mandi District
On July 1, violent cloudbursts struck the Dharampur and Laungni regions of Mandi district, resulting in massive flash floods. Early reports confirm that the Karsog valley has borne the brunt of the devastation. Seven to eight houses were washed away, leaving families displaced and property completely destroyed.
In Megli village of Karsog, an overflowing drain inundated the entire settlement, sweeping away over two dozen vehicles and damaging approximately eight homes. Emergency services were deployed, but the severity of the water flow made immediate rescue operations extremely difficult.
Tirthan River in Banjar Valley Overflows: Roads Broken, Lives Disrupted
In Kullu’s Banjar Valley, the Tirthan river has turned into a raging torrent, breaking dozens of connecting roads and cutting off access to several remote villages. With infrastructure crumbling and transportation routes paralyzed, the local administration is battling to establish emergency corridors.
Images from the region show roads turned into rivers, with debris, rocks, and felled trees scattered across key national and state highways. This has brought essential movement and supplies to a grinding halt.
Pandoh Emergency: Water Fills Homes, Residents Take Refuge in Police Camp
The Pandoh area, located near the Mandi-Kullu border, faced severe flash flooding as a swollen drain spilled over its banks and surged into the village. Terrified residents were forced to flee their homes at midnight, many climbing onto rooftops or rushing to the main road in search of safety.
The Pandoh police camp opened its doors to dozens of distressed villagers, offering shelter, food, and medical aid. The local administration has thanked the police personnel for their timely assistance and has reinforced relief teams in the area.
Dharampur and Thunag Submerged: Markets and Bus Stands Underwater
In Dharampur, floodwaters rose to 20 feet above normal levels, engulfing the local market and bus terminal. Shops were submerged, and public transportation was brought to a standstill. Local vendors have reported losses running into lakhs as merchandise and store interiors were destroyed.
In Thunag, similar scenes unfolded as drains overflowed and flooded the main marketplace. Water entered homes, compelling residents to stay awake through the night, manually bailing water and rescuing essentials.
Widespread Landslides Cripple Movement Across the State
Multiple landslides have been reported along key routes including National Highway 305 and the Mandi-Kullu road, where tons of debris now block movement. Tourists and commuters remain stranded, with authorities urging people to avoid any non-essential travel.
Mountainsides have begun to crack under the pressure of relentless rainfall, causing landslides that not only damage infrastructure but also pose extreme threats to life. Rescue teams are struggling to clear roads and provide emergency aid in the face of this unpredictable natural fury.
Red Alert Issued: Meteorological Department Warns of More Rain Till July 6
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for heavy rainfall across Himachal Pradesh, valid from July 1 to July 6. Intense spells of rain are forecasted to continue, potentially worsening conditions in already-affected regions.
Authorities fear that the water levels in rivers such as Beas, Tirthan, and Satluj could breach danger marks, increasing the risk of flash floods and more landslides in the coming days. Disaster response teams have been placed on high alert, and evacuation zones have been identified in vulnerable areas.
Government Orders Complete Shutdown in Mandi and Kullu Districts
In light of the escalating disaster, the Himachal Pradesh government has officially ordered a complete shutdown of both Mandi and Kullu districts. All schools, offices, and public gatherings are suspended. Tourist activities have also been banned, and hotels and homestays have been directed to halt bookings immediately.
Local residents and travelers have been advised to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. The administration has reinforced the need to follow all official advisories, emphasizing that the next 48 hours will be critical.
Emergency Services Mobilized: Relief Operations Intensified
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are actively involved in rescue and relief operations, deploying boats, drones, and thermal imaging tools to locate trapped individuals.
Temporary shelters have been erected in safe zones across Mandi and Kullu, where victims are being provided with basic medical assistance, food, and clean drinking water. Helpline numbers have been activated for reporting missing persons and requesting urgent aid.
Communication and Power Outages Add to the Crisis
Several villages and small towns across both districts are suffering from power blackouts and disrupted mobile networks. Torrential rains have damaged transformers and submerged electrical panels, severely affecting communication lines. The power department has begun repair work, though access to submerged zones remains a challenge.
Telecom providers are working to restore signal coverage, especially in disaster-prone regions like Banjar, Pandoh, and Karsog, where residents are currently cut off from their families and aid workers.
Appeal from District Administrations to Residents and Tourists
The district administrations of Mandi and Kullu have issued a joint public advisory, strongly urging both locals and visitors to avoid venturing out during this critical period. The advisory outlines:
Stay indoors unless there is a life-threatening emergency.
Avoid riverbanks, streams, and landslide-prone roads.
Keep emergency kits and charged phones ready.
Report any signs of land cracking or water accumulation near residential zones.
Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads.
Looking Ahead: Authorities on High Alert as More Rain Looms
With the IMD predicting sustained heavy rainfall for the next week, the state is preparing for extended emergency management operations. Relief teams, medical personnel, and volunteers have been put on standby in neighboring districts including Shimla, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur, ready to step in if the situation worsens.
The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard lives and infrastructure, while also urging citizens to cooperate fully with authorities.
