Shimla: Monsoon fury has once again battered Himachal Pradesh, with cloudbursts reported at four locations across Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti districts on Monday afternoon. The incidents caused flash floods, damaged agricultural land, and disrupted normal life, prompting authorities to intensify rescue and relief efforts.
According to officials, cloudbursts struck the Udin and Thandal areas of Chamba district, causing a sudden surge in the flow of local drains. The rapid rise in the water level of the Udin drain left 11 labourers stranded. Following an emergency response, teams from the district administration, police, and disaster management agencies reached the site and successfully rescued all the trapped workers using boats and other safety equipment.
In the Lahaul-Spiti district, flash floods carrying water and debris caused extensive damage to agricultural fields. Crops spread across hundreds of acres were affected, while fertile farmland was washed away in several areas, raising concerns over significant financial losses for farmers.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts of Himachal Pradesh for the next two days, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The state government and district administrations have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers and seasonal drains, and strictly follow weather advisories. Rescue and emergency response teams remain on high alert as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
Officials are currently assessing the extent of the damage in the affected regions, while preparations are underway to launch additional relief and rehabilitation measures wherever required.
