At least 2 killed, over 20 missing after cloudbursts hit Kangra and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, India
At least 2 people were killed and over 20 remain missing after multiple cloudbursts triggered flash floods in Kangra and Kullu districts, Himachal Pradesh, on June 25, 2025.
This morning: Flash floods hits Dharamshala after a sudden cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh, india. pic.twitter.com/EMQRmxr9Kw
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) June 26, 2025
Multiple cloudburst events struck Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra and Kullu districts during the late afternoon and early evening hours of June 25, causing flash floods that led to at least 2 confirmed fatalities and over 20 people reported missing. The events occurred near Dharamshala in Kangra, and in Banjar, Gadsa, Manikaran, and Sainj areas of Kullu district.
In Kangra district, flash flooding occurred after a cloudburst over Manuni Khad near Khaniyara village, impacting the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project. Temporary labor quarters were swept away by a sudden surge of water, with two bodies recovered and 15–20 workers reported missing.
Authorities are working to confirm the total number of workers present at the time by cross-verifying contractor records.
In Kullu district, four cloudbursts in Jeeva Nala (Sainj), Shilagarh (Gadsa), Horangarh (Banjar), and the Snow Gallery area near Manali caused flash floods and landslides. The Brahmaganga stream in Manikaran swelled, destroying a footbridge and inundating residential areas. Damage was reported to houses, a school building, and a government livestock shed. Three people were reported missing across the affected areas.
Flash flooding also disrupted road networks and communication infrastructure. Emergency crews have been deployed to restore access, conduct search and rescue operations, and assess structural damage.
Rainfall measured at several locations prior to the floods was categorized as very heavy to extremely heavy, with Palampur recording 145 mm (5.7 inches) and Jogindernagar 113 mm (4.4 inches) in 24 hours.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for ongoing heavy to very heavy rainfall across much of Himachal Pradesh, including Kullu and Kangra districts, until at least June 28.
Rivers and streams, including the Beas, Sutlej, and Brahmaganga, are running at elevated levels, increasing the risk of additional flooding. Authorities have suspended recreational water activities in several areas and advised residents and tourists to stay away from riverbanks and unstable slopes.
The situation remains dynamic with continued rainfall and the risk of further flash floods or landslides. Rescue and recovery efforts are underway, and district administrations are coordinating closely with state and central emergency response agencies.
References:
1 Himachal Pradesh cloudburst: Flash floods kill 2, 20 feared swept away in Kangra – The Economic Times – June 26, 2025
2 Kullu Cloudburst: कुल्लू में बादल फटने से भारी तबाही, 3 लोग लापता, सड़कें-स्कूल क्षतिग्रस्त, IMD का ऑरेंज अलर्ट, देखें तस्वीरें-वीडियो – NBT – June 26, 2025
Feature image credit: Weather Monitor
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