Shimla, August 14 (HS): Continuous torrential rains triggered devastating cloudbursts across Himachal Pradesh overnight, wreaking havoc in Kullu, Kinnaur, Lahaul‑Spiti, and Shimla districts, toppling infrastructure, sweeping away vehicles, and forcing mass evacuations.

Bridges collapsed, homes and shops crumbled, and orchards vanished under surging floodwaters, inflicting massive damage on public and private property. Miraculously, no loss of life has been reported so far.

Mass Evacuations Amid Surge in Rivers

Authorities moved swiftly to evacuate residents from high‑risk zones to safer grounds as swollen rivers and streams threatened more devastation. The India Meteorological Department issued fresh warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts. Schools have been shut today in affected subdivisions of Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Una.

In Kullu’s Banjar Valley, a cloudburst at Bathahar unleashed a furious deluge, damaging several houses, destroying the Tilla and Dogra bridges, sweeping away five vehicles, and wrecking four cottages. In Nirmand, the swollen Kurpan Khad forced the complete evacuation of Bagipul market and nearby villages.

Infrastructure Loss Across Districts

In Kinnaur’s border Rishi Dogri Valley, floodwaters tore down a bridge over the Satluj River, injuring one person. A surge in Hozolungpa Nullah halted CPWD roadworks, damaged Pooh’s drinking water supply scheme, and inundated a private company premises. Rising Satluj levels prompted the opening of Karsham‑Wangtu Nathpa dam gates, while national highways faced blockages near Pagal Nala, Nathpa, and Nigulsari.

In Lahaul‑Spiti’s Mayad Valley, cloudburst‑triggered flooding endangered Karpat village, leading to the evacuation of about two dozen families.

Shimla’s Rampur subdivision, adjoining Kullu, saw floodwaters wash away four bridges, two houses, five shops, two sheds, apple orchards, and farmland. Several more homes, shops, sheds, and a small power project suffered severe damage. An ambulance and a state‑run bus remain stranded, and three panchayats are cut off.

Red Alert and Advisory

Officials have appealed to residents to steer clear of riverbanks and avoid all non‑essential travel, as heavy rain is expected to lash the state until August 19. Emergency teams remain on high alert to prevent loss of life amid the destruction.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar