New Delhi: At least five people have lost their lives and 10 others are feared missing after a series of cloudbursts and subsequent flash floods battered parts of Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours. Incessant rainfall in the state has thrown normal life out of gear. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert in several districts, predicting heavy rainfall.
According to reports, cloudbursts occurred at three separate locations with Kangra and Kullu districts the worst affected. On Wednesday, a cloudburst occurred, followed by an increase in river flow near the Jiwa Trench Weir in Majhan Nallah.
Tourists adviced to avoid going near rivers
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed district authorities to remain on high alert. He has advised residents and tourists against going near rivers and nallahs. Tourism has also been substantially affected as flash floods have hit some roads and villages in popular destinations such as Manali. “Tourists and residents are advised to stay away from riverbanks and vulnerable slopes,” he said, adding that round-the-clock monitoring is being conducted.
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In the Sainj Valley of Kullu, flash floods caused by multiple cloudbursts washed away roads, houses and a school. Several parts of the valley were left isolated after bridges and roads collapsed. Rescue teams including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed to engage in the ongoing operations.
VIDEO | Himachal Pradesh: Car washed away, three missing as cloudbursts trigger flash floods in Kullu district.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/zGf52cQw7e
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Heavy rainfall predicted
The IMD has warned of continued heavy rainfall in Kangra, Chamba and Kullu districts over the next few days. An orange alert has been extended till June 29. A yellow alert for flash floods have also been issued in five districts including Chamba, Sirmaur and kangra. Reports suggest that 15 houses have been damaged and several village roads have suffered extensive destruction due to the flash floods affecting the region. A private power project and the NHPC’s facility was also impacted.
