Kolkata: In Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla, the monsoon has brought devastation with its arrival. In the Kullu district, a cloudburst on Wednesday wreaked havoc in many places. A yellow alert for flash floods has been issued in five districts of the state.
Incidents of cloudburst have occurred in Sainj Valley, Gadsa, Banjar and Brahmaganga Nala of Manikaran in Kullu district. In the afternoon, the intensity of rain suddenly increased, and the cloud burst caused a flood in rivers and streams. It washed away many vehicles and damaged roads and bridges in dozens of places.
Cloudburst confirmed at three places in Kullu
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, Ashwani Kumar said that cloudburst happened at three places in Kullu, including Jiva Nala of Sainj, Shangarh Valley and areas of Manali. In Majhan Nala of Sainj Valley, the water level increased suddenly. Places like Hurla, Pacha and Manihar drains in Gadsa Valley witnessed heavy water flow.
The flood washed away a small bridge on the Banjar-Bathahar road and a vehicle. A cowshed in Chehni village was completely damaged and water and debris entered the government primary school. The water has damaged Sainj Bazar Road and has washed away a jeep.
Water has damaged four houses
The maximum damage was seen in the Raila Bihal village, where four houses were damaged due to cloudburst and three people were reportedly swept away. It is being told that these people were taking out their belongings during the flood when they became victims of the accident. Relief and rescue work by the administration is going on a war footing.
After the cloudburst in Kullu, the water level of the Beas River has increased. In such a situation, the low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert. Due to heavy rains in the Lahaul-Spiti district, the road from Kaza to Sumdo has been blocked at many places. The administration has appealed to tourists and local people not to travel unnecessarily.
Heavy rain warning in Shimla
Shimla, the capital of the state, also witnessed intermittent rains on Wednesday. The Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains till July 1. According to the Meteorological Center Shimla, the state will receive such monsoon rain for the next few days and heavy to very heavy rain may occur in many places. Due to this, the water level of rivers and streams is likely to increase rapidly.
The administration has appealed to the general public and tourists to not go near rivers and streams and to stay in safe places. Especially, people living in hilly areas have been advised to remain alert and follow the warnings of the Meteorological Department.
About 15 to 20 workers drowned due to a sudden rise in water flow. BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma has informed about the drowning of workers in Dharamshala on his social media account. According to him, “It is very sad and painful news that about 15 to 20 workers drowned due to sudden increase in water flow in Manuni Khad in Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project, Sokani Da Kot (Khaniara), Dharamshala.”
He said, “All of them were living in a shed built on the ravine side. Such a heart-wrenching incident has rarely been seen before. We stand with the affected families in this sad moment. We pray to God to give peace to the departed souls and strength to the family members.”
