Cloudburst Hits Kullu and Dharamshala: 2 Dead, 11 Missing

Five cloudbursts strike Kullu and Dharamshala overnight; flash floods and landslides leave two dead and at least 11 missing as rescue operations intensify.

Kullu and Dharamshala: Himachal Pradesh, June 25, 2025 – Torrential rains triggered devastating cloudbursts at five locations across Kullu and Dharamshala districts in Himachal Pradesh late Monday night and early Tuesday morning, leading to multiple landslides, flash floods, and destruction of property. Two people have been confirmed dead, and at least 11 others are reported missing as rescue teams continue operations in extremely challenging conditions.

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Flash Floods Wreak Havoc Overnight

According to local administration reports, the first cloudburst occurred around midnight in a remote area near Manikaran in Kullu district, causing a surge in a seasonal stream. The deluge swept away several vehicles, livestock, and makeshift homes near the banks. A woman and a child were reported dead in this incident, while four others are still unaccounted for.

In Dharamshala’s Rakkar and Bhagsu Nag areas, heavy rainfall triggered simultaneous cloudbursts early Tuesday morning, inundating low-lying neighborhoods and cutting off road access. Several houses and shops were damaged as water and debris rushed down from the hills.

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Multiple Incidents Across Five Points

District officials confirmed that five separate cloudbursts occurred in the following locations:

1. Manikaran, Kullu

2. Banjar Valley, Kullu

3. Rakkar, Dharamshala

4. Bhagsu Nag, Dharamshala

5. Ghera Village, near Dharamkot

Emergency response teams are being assisted by locals in the search and rescue effort. “We are facing continuous rainfall, and terrain access is limited. Army and NDRF personnel are on standby for airlift if required,” said a Kullu district disaster management officer.

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Communication Disrupted, Roads Damaged

Several interior roads in Kullu and Kangra districts have been washed away or blocked by debris, and mobile networks have gone down in some regions, particularly in Bhuntar and Raison. Traffic movement along parts of the Mandi–Kullu–Manali highway has also been halted due to mudslides, stranding tourists and locals.

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has suspended bus services in affected areas as a precautionary measure. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to avoid traveling in the region until further notice.

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Rescue Efforts Underway, Heavy Rains Continue

Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire services, and local panchayats are working through the wreckage. Rescue dogs and drones have also been deployed in some parts of Banjar and Dharamshala to assist in locating the missing.

With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting more heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours, officials fear the situation may worsen. A red alert remains in effect for several districts of Himachal Pradesh, including Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, and Chamba.

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Chief Minister Responds

Cloudburst Hits Kullu and Dharamshala: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister has expressed grief over the loss of life and promised all possible assistance. “We are monitoring the situation closely. Relief and rescue operations are underway. I urge people to stay indoors and follow safety advisories issued by the administration,” he said in a brief statement.

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Tourism Impact and School Closures

Cloudburst Hits Kullu and Dharamshala: Tourism, a lifeline of the region’s economy, has been hit hard. Authorities have suspended all trekking and paragliding activities in Kullu and Dharamshala until further orders. In addition, schools in the affected districts have been closed for two days.

With tourist movement restricted and hotels reporting cancellations, the state’s tourism department is expected to issue further advisories as the weather situation evolves.

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What’s Next

The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, but early visuals show submerged homes, toppled trees, and washed-away stretches of road and farmland. Relief camps are being set up to accommodate those displaced, and compensation packages for the families of the deceased are expected to be announced shortly.

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This is a developing story. Authorities continue to battle weather challenges as they work to rescue the missing and provide aid to the displaced. Residents in hill regions are advised to remain vigilant, avoid riverbanks, and refrain from unnecessary travel.