Cloudburst Damages Farmland in Mandi’s Paddhar Subdivision

Munish Sood

Mandi : A cloudburst triggered by intense monsoon rain struck Koratang village in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district late Saturday night, washing away agricultural land and small irrigation channels, local officials said on Sunday.

The cloudburst occurred along a seasonal stream in the Paddhar subdivision, leading to the destruction of at least three puhulis—traditional water channels—and rendering several parcels of privately owned farmland unusable due to heavy silt and erosion.

“There were no casualties, but the damage to our fields is devastating,” said a village resident. “The land may no longer be cultivable this season.”

A revenue officer from the district administration has completed a preliminary damage assessment. Disaster management teams are monitoring the area as forecasts indicate further rainfall.

Officials warned that unregulated development and shifting weather patterns have increased the risk of cloudbursts and flash floods in the hilly terrain of Himachal Pradesh. Residents have been advised to stay clear of vulnerable slopes and report early signs of soil instability.

Compensation measures are expected to be announced after a full damage evaluation by district authorities.