Several killed, 50 missing after multiple cloudbursts in Himachal’s Shimla, Kullu; Malana dam damaged, Beas again washes away highway in Manali

Mandi: Himachal Pradesh has been hit hard by overnight monsoon rains, resulting in widespread devastation and loss of lives with nearly 50 persons missing.

Heavy rainfall across the state on the intervening night of Wednesday (July 31, 2024) and Thursday led to multiple cloudbursts, causing significant damage in various areas. In Nirmand area of Kullu, a cloudburst washed away vehicles and houses near the Bagi bridge.

In Manali, the Beas river has again changed its course, inundating parts of the Manali-Chandigarh national highway and flooding the potato ground area. The highway is currently closed at several points due to landslides, severely impacting connectivity. Cloudbursts have been reported in three districts, with a total of 30 persons currently missing.

A cloudburst occurred at Jhakri in Rampur, about 100 km from Shimla, triggering a flashflood in the Sumej Khud. Shimla DC Anupam Kashyap and SP Sanjeev Gandhi have rushed to the affected area. Search and rescue efforts are underway, with NDRF teams dispatched for assistance. Reports indicate that 19 persons are missing in the region.

In Kullu district, the dam of the power project at Malana village in Manikaran was damaged, causing severe flooding in the valley downstream and leading to widespread panic. The Beas river, swollen by the rains, is flowing over the highway near Manali city now, further complicating the situation.

The authorities have issued an alert around Bhuntar due to the heavy flooding in Parvati river.

Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said that SDM Nishant Tomar was overseeing the rescue efforts on the site. He said as of now, 32 individuals were reported missing due to the rain disaster.

“Rescue teams are facing a challenge in reaching the affected areas because of multiple road blockages, forcing them to carry equipment on foot for several kilometres. Despite these obstacles, relief operations began swiftly,” he said.

The DC said additional support had been provided by the ITBP and a special contingent of Home Guard. All resources, including ambulances and essential supplies, are being deployed to assist in the rescue mission.

“Authorities are making concerted efforts to locate the missing persons and ensure their safety. The situation remains critical, and efforts are ongoing to address the aftermath of the cloudburst,” he said.