Cloudburst in Shimla Triggers Deadly Flash Floods

Shimla  In a devastating turn of events, a powerful cloudburst hit Shimla late last night, triggering massive flash floods in the region. The sudden deluge caused the Darshal stream—a seasonal watercourse—to overflow with terrifying force, inundating surrounding areas and causing panic among residents. Entire stretches of roads were submerged, houses were left damaged, and vehicles were swept away in the violent rush of water.

The worst-hit area remains the national highway that connects Shimla with Chandigarh, which has been completely blocked for over 36 hours now. Emergency services and disaster response teams have been working tirelessly through the night to restore connectivity and rescue those stranded. Eyewitnesses describe scenes of chaos and fear, with families fleeing their homes in the dark, seeking safety on higher ground.

According to the latest official reports, the death toll has now risen to 199, with many more still missing. Rescue operations are ongoing in multiple districts, and authorities fear the number could rise further as access to remote areas improves. Among the dead are children, elderly residents, and at least three tourists who were caught unaware by the sudden flood while traveling along the scenic hills.

Locals recount the terrifying moments when the water came rushing down with deafening noise. “It was like a wall of water. We didn’t even have time to grab our belongings,” said Reena Thakur, a resident of the affected area. “The stream looked calm just hours before. No one expected this.”

Shimla, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, has faced unusual weather patterns this monsoon season, with more intense rainfall events recorded than in previous years. Experts suggest that climate change and unregulated construction along natural drainage lines may have played a significant role in worsening the disaster’s impact.

In response to the calamity, the Himachal Pradesh government has declared a state of emergency in several districts. The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police are coordinating relief efforts, airlifting food, water, and medical supplies to affected areas. Helicopters have been deployed to evacuate those trapped in high-risk zones, especially in places where landslides have cut off access.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the lives lost and pledged full support for relief and rebuilding efforts. “We stand with the people of Himachal during this time of tragedy,” he said in a public statement.

As search and rescue efforts continue, families wait anxiously for news of their missing loved ones. Volunteers and NGOs have also stepped in, offering food, clothing, and shelter to displaced residents.

This disaster stands as yet another grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by mountainous regions in the face of extreme weather events. The people of Shimla are now left to rebuild not just their homes, but also their sense of security in a world where nature’s fury is becoming increasingly unpredictable.