Himachal Pradesh is reeling from a wave of devastating cloudbursts and flash floods that have left five dead and several feared missing across Kangra and Kullu districts.
The disaster struck near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project in Khaniyara, where 15–20 workers were swept away after the Manuni river surged, inundating a nearby labour colony.
Authorities confirmed the identities of the deceased as Chain Singh from Jammu & Kashmir, Aditya Thakur from Chamba, Sanjay from Nurpur, and Pardeep Verma and Chandan, both from Uttar Pradesh. One survivor was rescued, and the search continues for those unaccounted for.
The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (HP-SDRF) reported three cloudbursts, nine flash floods, and three landslides within 24 hours. The ongoing rescue efforts have safely evacuated over 150 individuals so far.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a virtual emergency review and directed officials to remain vigilant as adverse weather persists. He emphasised public accessibility and readiness as a precaution against further calamities.
The hill state’s unpredictable monsoon patterns and increasing instances of extreme weather once again spotlight the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
