Flash Flood Fury in Himachal: 5 Dead, Several Still Missing as Rescues Continue in Kangra and Kullu
Dharamshala/Kullu, June 27:
Heavy rains and sudden cloudbursts have wreaked havoc across Kangra and Kullu districts in Himachal Pradesh, leaving behind a trail of destruction, death, and desperate search operations.
Rescue teams have recovered five bodies so far in Kangra district, while several others remain missing in both Kangra and Kullu.
At Manuni Khad near Khaniyara in Kangra, disaster struck when a massive flash flood swept through localities and trekking routes.
On Day 1 of the operation, over 150 people were safely evacuated and two bodies were found.
On Day 2, one survivor was pulled out alive, and three more bodies were recovered, bringing the death toll in the area to five.
The deceased have been identified as Chain Singh (J&K), Aditya Thakur (Chamba), Pradeep Kumar and Chandan (both from Uttar Pradesh), and Sanjay from Nurpur.
Rescue teams from SDRF, NDRF, home guards, and police are continuing their search for at least six missing persons in the region.
Meanwhile, in Kullu district, another cloudburst in the Rehla Bihal area of Sainj Valley has triggered landslides and flooding.
Three locals who were trying to retrieve belongings after an earlier flood have been missing since the latest surge.
The road connecting Sainj to Siund has been severely damaged, cutting off several villages.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has instructed district authorities to stay on high alert and be available round-the-clock.
He also emphasized strict monitoring of water levels, public safety, and protection of infrastructure including hydro projects.
People have been warned to stay away from riverbanks and avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable zones.
The IMD has issued a yellow and orange alert for heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours, with warnings of possible landslides and flash floods in the region.
Trekkers on Radar
Authorities are also sounding the alarm over solo trekking. Even seasoned trekkers have gone missing this season due to rapidly changing weather and terrain. Search teams say solo travellers are the hardest to locate, and are urging adventure enthusiasts to avoid isolated trekking routes during the monsoon.
Rescue at a Glance:
Kangra (Manuni Khad): 5 dead, 1 rescued alive, 6+ missing
Kullu (Sainj Valley): 3 feared missing after cloudburst
People evacuated: 250+ in Kangra region
With unpredictable weather patterns and fragile mountain ecology, the hills are once again reminding us — adventure is thrilling, but survival is priceless. Stay aware. Stay safe.
#HimachalFloods #ManuniKhad #RescueOps #KulluFlashFloods #StaySafeHimachal
