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A flash flood in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district swept away a footbridge and three sheds, including a liquor shop. The incident, triggered by a cloudburst in Tosh Nallah, occurred early Tuesday morning. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
"The incident took place in the Tosh area of Manikaran early in the morning. No loss of life was reported," Kullu deputy commissioner Torul S Raveesh said, adding that a team has been sent to the spot to assess the situation.
Orange Alert for Heavy Rain
The local meteorological office has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in seven districts on Wednesday and Thursday. Additionally, a yellow alert for heavy rain at isolated places is in effect for August 2 and 3.
Monsoon activity is expected to intensify with widespread precipitation over the next four to five days. Heavy rainfall is likely at one or two locations in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts on Wednesday and Thursday.
Warnings and Precautions
The weather office has warned of potential landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas of Kullu, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, and Kinnaur districts. There is also a risk of damage to plantations, standing crops, vulnerable structures, and kutcha houses due to strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, light rainfall was recorded in some parts of the state. Sarahan and Rohru received 12mm of rainfall since Monday evening. Other areas like Sangrah (10mm), Jogindernagar (8mm), Sainj (6.5mm), Manali (6mm), Rampur (5.8mm), Dharamshala (5.4mm), and Gohar (5mm) also experienced rain.
Impact on Local Communities
The deputy commissioner urged people to avoid rivers and rivulets and refrain from constructing temporary structures near nullahs during the monsoon season. She emphasized that construction activities are prohibited during this period and strict action will be taken against violators.
Official data until Monday evening showed that rain-related incidents have claimed 62 lives since the onset of the monsoon on June 27. The state has incurred losses amounting to ₹425 crore during this ongoing monsoon season.
The state emergency operation centre continues to monitor the situation closely as efforts are underway to mitigate further damage and ensure public safety.
