Underconstruction bridge worth crores collapses in Padchhu, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. Rohit Prashar
Natural Disasters

Monsoon chaos in Himachal: Kullu Valley hit by 4 cloudbursts in 24 hours

Three found dead in Khaniyara, several missing as cloudbursts and dam discharges swell rivers

Rohit Prashar

Heavy monsoon rains unleashed destruction across Himachal Pradesh on June 25, 2025, with the Kullu Valley once again battered by cloudbursts and flash floods that have upended daily life and endangered thousands.

Within 24 hours, cloudbursts were reported at Manikaran, Banjar and Sainj valleys in Kullu district, as well as near Solang Valley. The resulting floods have triggered widespread devastation. According to local Member of Legislative Assembly Surender Shourie, five homes were completely washed away in Sinyud Viyali village in Banjar. Three members of the same family — a man and two women — are reported missing.

In Manali, heavy flooding near Kalath and in Solang Valley has severely damaged roads, cutting off access and stranding tourists. Rescue operations are under way, with the local administration attempting evacuations under challenging conditions.

Meanwhile, tragedy struck a hydropower project on the Manuni Khad near Khaniyara in Kangra district, where sudden flash floods trapped workers. Three bodies have been recovered, while seven others remain missing. Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said a sub-divisional magistrate has been deployed to the site and residents have been warned to avoid riverbanks and streams.

In Lahaul-Spiti district, landslides have blocked the Kaza–Sumdo road. In Jobrang village, a flood in the Jahalma Nala has damaged several hectares of crops, including potatoes, peas and cabbage. In Mandi’s Sarkaghat area, a bridge under construction on the national highway collapsed amid heavy rainfall, creating a large pool of water that has inundated a water project, cremation ground and temple complex.

Flood-affected roads after cloud burst in Kullu’s Sainj valley.

Dams release water, low-lying areas on alert

Authorities have begun releasing water from several hydroelectric projects in Kullu, further raising river levels. According to the Kullu District Disaster Management Authority, 15 cusecs of water was released from Malana Stage I, 139 cusecs from the Pulga Dam (Parvati II), 26 cusecs from Sainj and 40 cusecs from Parvati III. The increased discharge has led to a sharp rise in water levels in the Beas river. In low-lying areas such as Pandoh and Mandi, authorities are issuing warnings via loudspeakers and urging residents to stay clear of the riverbanks.

The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy rain on 25 June, followed by a yellow alert for 26 and 27 June. Rainfall recorded includes 145 mm in Palampur, 113 mm in Jogindernagar, 99 mm in Nahan and 85 mm in Baijnath.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the incident in Dharamshala. “The news of workers being swept away in the hydro project is extremely distressing. So far, two bodies have been recovered and rescue efforts are ongoing. The administration has been directed to take all necessary steps,” he said, appealing to the public to stay away from water bodies during the rains.

Disaster Management Director DC Rana said a detailed assessment of the damage in Kullu is under way and that all efforts are being made to alert residents and minimise loss of life and property.