Cloudburst Wreaks Havoc in Kullu, Shops Swept

Kullu Nature’s fury continues to batter Himachal Pradesh, with Kullu district once again facing destruction after a cloudburst struck the Lagghati area near Samana. The incident, triggered by relentless heavy rainfall, caused widespread damage, sweeping away shops, vehicles, and agricultural land, leaving local residents in shock and distress.

According to initial reports, at least three shops and a motorcycle were washed away in the sudden rush of water following the cloudburst. Farmers also suffered heavy losses as standing crops and fertile fields were inundated or eroded by the floodwaters. The Sarvari stream, already swollen due to continuous rain, rose dangerously, leading to the collapse of a small bridge and damaging sections of nearby roads. Connectivity in the affected area has been severely hit, further isolating villages that depend on these routes for daily essentials and movement.

Eyewitnesses described the situation as terrifying, with a sudden loud roar followed by a surge of muddy water carrying debris, rocks, and broken structures along its path. Shopkeepers and locals barely managed to save themselves, running to higher ground as the gushing water tore through the settlement.

The district administration immediately swung into action, deploying teams to assess the damage and begin relief operations. Officials have issued advisories, urging people to stay away from rivers and streams, which remain dangerously swollen. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the administration also ordered the closure of educational institutions in vulnerable zones to ensure the safety of students.

Deputy Commissioner of Kullu expressed concern over the recurring natural disasters in the region, emphasizing that while preparedness measures are in place, unpredictable weather events like cloudbursts remain difficult to control. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and teams are on the ground providing support. Safety of the people remains our top priority,” he said.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the fragile ecological balance of the Himalayas. Experts point out that climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Himachal Pradesh, making flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts more common. With the monsoon still active, residents of Kullu and nearby districts remain on edge, fearing further devastation.

Local communities, however, are showing remarkable resilience, coming together to support those who have lost their livelihoods. Volunteers have begun distributing food and essentials, while rescue workers clear debris to restore some form of normalcy. Yet, the loss of property and agricultural land will take months, if not years, to recover from.

As the state continues to grapple with back-to-back natural calamities, appeals have been made to the central government for additional aid and long-term infrastructure support. The people of Kullu, who are accustomed to the beauty and bounty of the mountains, are once again reminded of the harsh reality that life in the Himalayas comes with both blessings and risks.