Heavy rains and cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh have caused a flood-like situation in the state, with several tourists being stranded in the hotels near Bhaksunag. Cars and vehicles were washed away, while roads and roadside shops suffered damages. Experts say that flash floods may have been triggered by heavy rains. The National Highway on Monday morning was blocked near Jhakri in the Rampur area of Shimla district following heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, the process of clearing the road had begun with officials making their way to the site. The rescue team is also underway to take out the stranded tourists.
Local authorities have issued a yellow alert for the next 3 days. At least 25 roads are shut in the Kullu district. Meanwhile, 8 transformers are down hampering the electricity supply. Departments have been asked to report on destruction, said Prakash Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kullu.
The cloudburst incident has caused damage to properties. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also warned that the Himalayan state will receive moderate to heavy rains in the coming days.
Also Read: Himachal Pradesh Cloudburst: CM Jairam Thakur appeals tourists to avoid visiting high-risk areas
Orange weather warning of heavy to very heavy rains in plains and mid-hills on July 12 and 13 July and yellow alert notice for July 14 and 15. Videos of horrific flash floods in Dharamshala, which is a popular tourist destination, have gone viral on social media.
Manjhi river that flows near Dharamshala is in spate, causing damage to nearby shops and huts. According to Dharamshala airport’s traffic in-charge Gaurav Kumar, due to heavy rainfall and stormy weather all incoming flights have been cancelled in the regions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and assured all sorts of help to the state. He also informed that the centre has sent NDRF teams to Himachal to assist in rescue operations.
Also Read: NDRF in Himachal as 10 missing in Himachal flash floods
Monsoon is a crucial season for the Himachal state, because of heavy deforestation, rains that have accelerated floods in the recent past and the weakening of the lands.