Admn gets houses vacated at night, people spend night in open
Sunil Chadha
SHIMLA: Panic and fear swept through the historic town of Rampur in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh late Wednesday (August 13, 2025) night after cloudbursts in nearby areas triggered fears of flashfloods and blockage of the Satluj river, reminiscent of the devastating Dharali floods in Uttarakhand.
Several parts of Rampur, particularly the settlements close the Satluj banks, were placed on alert as rising water levels and debris flows forced the local administration to act swiftly.
Families spent night in open
The residents of Rampur town and adjoining villages were forced to leave their homes late at night as a precautionary measure. The local administration, under the supervision of SDM Harsh Amrendra Singh, ordered immediate evacuation of several low-lying and vulnerable areas located along the banks of the Satluj river.
Dozens of families spent the night under open sky or in temporary shelters, fearing a repeat of the recent Dharali-like flashfloods.
“The moment we received information about the cloudburst, we activated our community communication network involving the local panchayats and the disaster response team,” said a senior official. “Our focus remains on the Nanti and Ganvi areas where water levels are being closely monitored. So far, no casualties or major property damage have been reported.”
2 key Ganvi bridges washed away, police post buried
Floodwaters from Ganvi Khud surged dangerously following the cloudburst, sweeping away two key bridges that connected Ganvi to nearby panchayats Koot and Kyaw.
The force of the water buried the local police post under debris, while several shops near the Ganvi bus stand were damaged. Although no lives were lost, the collapse of infrastructure has left many villages temporarily cut off.
Access to some remote areas remains restricted and officials have advised residents to avoid venturing near swollen rivers and nullahs. Disaster management teams remain on high alert, with equipment and rescue personnel positioned for quick response.
Historic Rampur: From trade capital to disaster-prone zone
Rampur Bushahr, once the winter capital of the princely state of Bushahr, lies about 130 km from Shimla and has long held historical and strategic significance. Located on the left bank of the Satluj River at 1,005 metres above sea level, the town was a major hub along ancient trade routes connecting India with Tibet and Central Asia.
Rampur is the ancestral home of the late Virbhadra Singh, six-time Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and a towering figure in the state’s politics. The famed Lavi Fair, one of the north India’s largest traditional trade events, continues to be held here in November.
Rampur’s past is deeply rooted in Himalayan culture and politics. The region joined the Indian Union in 1948 following the merger of 20 princely states into Himachal Pradesh. Over the decades, the town also became home to key hydroelectric projects such as the Nathpa Jhakri (1,500 MW) and Rampur Hydro Power Station (412 MW), which today contribute significantly to the region’s economy — and vulnerability.
