KULLU, HIMACHAL PRADESH – Following a series of intense cloudbursts that triggered devastating flash floods in the scenic Kullu district, the Himachal Pradesh government has issued an urgent travel advisory, urging both domestic and international tourists to avoid flood-prone areas, particularly riverbeds and low-lying regions. The advisory comes amid ongoing rescue and recovery operations, with several people still missing, homes destroyed, and infrastructure crippled in parts of this popular hill state.
The advisory was issued in response to worsening weather conditions and rising concerns over the safety of visitors during the monsoon season, especially as more heavy rainfall is forecasted over the coming days.
Flash Floods Leave Trail of Destruction in Kullu
Triggered by sudden and severe cloudbursts, the flash floods have caused significant devastation across Rehla Bihal in Sainj, Manali, and Banjar. In Sainj, several residential homes were completely washed away, and as of now, three individuals, including a 14-year-old child, are still reported missing after being caught in rapidly rising waters while attempting to retrieve belongings from their homes.
According to Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravesh, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to the region. Armed with high-grade equipment and trained personnel, teams are working tirelessly to search for missing persons, evacuate stranded residents, and restore access to essential services.
Ravesh has strongly appealed to tourists and local residents to avoid travel near rivers, mountain streams, and areas known to be vulnerable to sudden water surges during monsoons. With floodwaters still active in various parts of Kullu, including the Banjar Assembly Constituency that covers Gadsa and Hornagad, the district remains on high alert.
Infrastructure Collapses Under Monsoon Pressure
In Hornagad, roads have been washed away or blocked by debris, cutting off entire villages from emergency services and basic supplies. Banjar MLA Surinder Shauri, after visiting the affected areas, confirmed that main connecting roads remain inaccessible, further complicating rescue operations and aid delivery.
Floodwaters have severely damaged bridges, electricity lines, and water supply systems, leaving several communities without power or clean drinking water. While the government is deploying efforts to clear roads and restore services, the ongoing rainfall and unstable terrain pose significant logistical hurdles.
Weather Forecast Signals Continued Risk
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for moderate to heavy rainfall in several districts, including Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, Sirmaur, and Chamba, over the next 24 to 48 hours. Flash flood warnings remain in place for parts of Kullu and neighboring regions, increasing the urgency for travelers to either postpone or reroute their plans.
Authorities warn that the current conditions are extremely dynamic, and further cloudbursts or landslides could be triggered without much warning. This situation demands a heightened level of caution and real-time weather monitoring for anyone currently in or heading towards Himachal Pradesh.
Tourists Urged to Follow Safety Guidelines
Visitors already present in Himachal are being advised to:
- Avoid trekking, camping, or sightseeing near rivers, streams, or gorges.
- Heed local warnings and stay updated through official weather channels.
- Ensure accommodation has emergency support systems in place.
- Inform family or friends of travel itineraries for safety tracking.
- Avoid driving on mountain roads during heavy rainfall, as landslides remain a risk.
Tourism authorities are coordinating with local hotels, guesthouses, and homestays to ensure that travelers have access to updated information and emergency services.
Local Communities and NGOs Mobilize for Relief
Amidst widespread devastation, local communities, NGOs, and volunteers have stepped in to provide food, water, shelter, and basic medical aid to displaced families. In many cases, residents have assisted in rescuing stranded individuals and creating temporary shelters for those who lost their homes.
Despite this grassroots effort, relief distribution remains challenging in remote villages that are still cut off by landslides and damaged infrastructure. Authorities continue working around the clock to airlift supplies and open critical roadways.
Climate Change and Preparedness
The frequency and intensity of such flash floods are increasingly being linked to climate change, particularly in high-altitude regions like Himachal Pradesh. The state government has committed to improving disaster response mechanisms, including better weather forecasting, more resilient road and bridge infrastructure, and enhanced community awareness campaigns.
With the monsoon season expected to continue until late September, Himachal is focusing on long-term preparedness to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters.
Conclusion: Caution Urged as Himachal Battles Nature’s Fury
The flash floods in Kullu district have once again highlighted the delicate balance between tourism and nature in the Himalayan states. While Himachal Pradesh continues to be one of India’s most loved travel destinations, the current crisis serves as a sobering reminder of the region’s vulnerability during monsoon season.
As the search for missing persons continues and efforts ramp up to rebuild, the Himachal Pradesh government urges all travelers to stay vigilant, prioritize safety, and avoid affected zones until further notice. With community resilience, coordinated response, and enhanced awareness, the region hopes to recover and emerge stronger from this natural calamity.
