After Uttarakhand, a cloudburst has hit Himachal Pradesh, stranding hundreds of pilgrims during the Kalash Yatra in Kinnaur district on Wednesday.
Reportedly, two bridges collapsed in the Tangling area, washing away most of the route of the Yatra. Rescue efforts are underway by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). So far, over 400 people have been safely evacuated by the rescue teams, with no loss of life reported.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continuous heavy rainfall in the region. The Kailash Yatra has been suspended after the route was damaged due to the rains.
Frequent flash floods and landslides are observed in the broader Himachal region, such as Mandi and Kullu. In 2023, 15 cloudbursts were recorded in the Pundoh and Thunag regions of Mandi, causing widespread devastation to life and property. Landslides are common in the Kangra and Shimla regions.
The flash floods caused by the cloud burst have already wreaked havoc in Uttarkashi. Bad weather is causing trouble in rescue operations.
Himachal Pradesh witnessed 823 deaths and an overall damage of Rs 9000 crore between 2022 to 2025. It calls for a new and properly planned road construction policy with proper water flow that combats future risks of flash floods and landslides.