Kullu, August 1, 2024 — A flash flood triggered by a cloudburst in the Chandrakhani-Malana region has wreaked havoc, completely destroying the Malana Barrage and trapping several people.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is on its way from Jari to reach the Malana Barrage through a jungle trek, as the Jari-Malana Road has been obliterated by the flood.
Local resident Chape Negi filmed the devastation, confirming the barrage has been reduced to rubble and debris. It showed only heap of debris in the dam with its concrete boundary having gone.
While the water level of the Malana River has significantly dropped post-flood, but there is no access to reach out to the marooned 30 people.
Currently, four to five individuals are trapped inside a tunnel of the power project, and 20 to 25 people are marooned in the flood-affected area.
They have taken shelter in an old abandoned hutment near the dam but are without food and drinking water.
The condition of those trapped in the tunnel is unknown due to a lack of communication. The NDRF team, having trekked through the jungle, is nearing the site to initiate rescue operations.
Fortunately, Malana village, situated about a kilometer from the river, remains safe. However, the full extent of the damage to the Malana Valley is yet to be assessed. Further updates are awaited as rescue efforts continue.
The big logs of trees were seen in the river Parbati and Beas flowing past Bhuntar town.
on the other hand, the flood has washed the bridge, five houses and bus stand at Baghipul in Nirmand block.
