Cloudbursts, Flash Floods Batter Himachal Pradesh; Major Highways Blocked, Power Projects Damaged
Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the impact of multiple cloudbursts and torrential rains, triggering flash floods and landslides across the state. The Shimla-Sunni-Karsog highway near Devidhar, around 35 km from Shimla, has been completely blocked, stranding dozens of vehicles. Long queues of traffic were seen on both sides of the landslide-hit stretch.
Several people went missing following cloudbursts in the Karsog division of Mandi district. Flash floods swept away houses and bridges, including 10 houses and a bridge in Kuklah. At least 41 people were rescued by the district administration and the SDRF. The 16-MW Patikari Hydro-Electric Power Project, built on the Bakhli Khad, was also washed away.
Heavy inflow led to the release of 1.5 lakh cusecs of water from the Pandoh Dam. The Larji project in Kullu also recorded a surge in water discharge. Authorities have warned people to stay away from riverbanks. Schools in Mandi will remain closed on Tuesday. A five-storey building collapsed near Shimla, with no casualties. Damages across the state are estimated at ₹75.69 crore.
