Cloudbursts trigger devastating floods in Himachal, Uttarakhand; at least 6 dead, dozens missing

Torrential rains and multiple cloudbursts have wreaked havoc across parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, claiming at least six lives and leaving over 20 people missing, with extensive damage to infrastructure and property.

Also read: Flood alert in Cauvery basin: Tourist access restricted amid rising water levels

In Himachal Pradesh, cloudbursts struck four locations, unleashing landslides and flash floods. The overflowing Parvati River in the Sainj valley, spanning Kangra and Kullu districts, has inundated the Manikaran-Sainj-Banjar region, cutting it off completely. Around 15–20 workers from a hydroelectric project near Dharamshala are feared washed away. Two bodies have been recovered so far.

In Kullu, powerful floodwaters swept away large quantities of timber and a jeep. Temporary structures of a private power project and a fire brigade vehicle were destroyed. The district administration has issued alerts, especially along the Beas River and surrounding water bodies.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand also faces a grim situation. In Shama village, 276 mm of rain has fallen in the last three days. In Haldwani, a tragic accident occurred when a car carrying seven people fell into a canal, killing four, including a woman who had just given birth. The survivors are being treated at Sushila Tiwari Hospital.

In Rudraprayag, a tourist bus en route to Badrinath plunged into the Alaknanda River amid heavy rains. Two tourists died and 11 remain missing as SDRF teams continue rescue efforts.

Gujarat is also battling monsoon fury. Streets in Surat are flooded, and the Cauvery River in Navsari has crossed danger levels, threatening the Tadakeshwar Mahadev Temple.

Rescue operations are ongoing across affected regions.