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A cloudburst and heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district. The worst-affected area is reported to be Luwai village, located in the remote Chhota Bhanghal valley.
The incident caused significant damage to property and infrastructure. Four vehicles were buried under debris, while 14 houses and a local middle school building were severely affected.
The region has experienced continuous heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours, leading to widespread disruption. Normal life has been paralyzed, with dozens of villages in the valley left without electricity due to uprooted power supply poles.
Landslides and fallen trees have blocked roads, halting vehicular traffic to areas such as Multhan, Luhardi, Barot, and Kothi Kohar. Hundreds of vehicles remain stranded across the valley as roads are covered with snow and large boulders.
In response to the crisis, local authorities have opened the floodgates of two hydroelectric power projects in the valley to mitigate further risks. Several camping sites along the banks of the Uhal River have also reported extensive damage.
The district administration has issued an advisory urging tourists and residents to avoid rivers and streams, as the India Meteorological Department forecasts moderate to heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.
Residents of Chhota Bhanghal have expressed concerns over the delay in rescue and relief operations. However, Baijnath MLA Kishori Lal stated that relief teams were dispatched to the valley earlier today. He has instructed the Baijnath Administration to prioritise relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas.
The situation remains critical as authorities work to restore normalcy and provide assistance to those impacted by the floods.