Three people went missing on Wednesday as cloudbursts led to flash floods in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Connecting roads and small bridges in the Sainj valley were damaged — leaving tourists stranded in some areas. Several houses were also washed away amid the torrential downpour. Flash floods were also reported from Manali and Banjar on Wednesday afternoon, and search operations remain underway.
“There has been heavy rainfall since the morning. Sainj, Tirthan, and Garsa Valley are facing losses due to heavy rainfall. The Sainj stream is overflowing. I request that people not go near rivers and streams… There has been a cloudburst in Tirthan, and the roads are damaged. I am receiving information that a bridge has been swept away near Garsa,” said BJP MLA Surender Shourie.
Officials said the three missing individuals had been washed away in the deluge while trying to take away their valuables from their homes in the Rehla Bihal area.
There were also reports of a flash flood in the Brahma Ganga drain in Manikaran valley. Water levels have reached several houses and could cause damage if they don’t recede soon.
Videos of heavy floods at several places in Kullu show the extent of the damage. In one, a vehicle can be seen floating in muddy waters.
“Heavy rains have been going on since morning and I have received several calls that rains have caused damage in Sainj, Tirthan and Gadsa. I would appeal to the people to stay away from river and drains and have asked the administration to take quick action as people are in problem,” said Banjar MLA Surinder Shauri.
Water levels of the Beas and Sutlej rivers have risen.
Besides, police in Lahaul and Spiti police said the road from Kaza to Samdoh has been obstructed at several places because of landslides, falling debris and overflowing drains.