Multiple cloudbursts struck Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district early Tuesday morning, causing severe flooding and damage across the picturesque valleys of Jibhi, Sainj, and Tirthan. Torrential rains led to a sudden rise in water levels in local rivers and streams, cutting off several villages and tourist spots.
According to the Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Authority (HPDMA), heavy rains began around 3 AM and intensified rapidly. The resulting cloudbursts caused flash floods that damaged roads, bridges, homes, and agricultural land. Initial assessments suggest significant loss to public infrastructure, although no casualties have been confirmed so far.
“Rescue teams have been dispatched and are working to reach affected areas. Road connectivity to many villages has been disrupted due to landslides and debris,” said a district administration official. Relief camps have been set up in safer zones, and emergency supplies are being transported to the region.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police have launched coordinated rescue operations. Efforts are being made to airlift stranded people if ground access remains blocked.
The cloudbursts have also impacted tourism, which was just beginning to peak for the monsoon season. Several tourists were reported stranded in Jibhi and nearby trekking routes. Authorities have issued a travel advisory urging people to avoid the region until weather conditions improve.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reviewed the situation and instructed officials to prioritize rescue and rehabilitation. “Our focus is on ensuring that all residents and tourists are safe. All necessary resources will be provided to affected areas,” he said in a statement.
Environmental experts have once again raised alarms about the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the Himalayan region. “Cloudbursts like these are becoming more common due to climate change and unregulated development. The region’s fragile ecosystem cannot handle such intense rainfalls,” said Dr. Meera Thakur, a climate researcher from Shimla.
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting more rainfall in the coming days, the administration remains on high alert. Citizens have been advised to stay away from riverbanks and landslide-prone areas.
Further updates are awaited as rescue operations continue and damage assessments are underway.
