Cloudburst in Kullu’s Sharod Nala triggers water surge; Himachal reels under heavy rains, roadblocks, and IMD’s orange alert.
A cloudburst was reported in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district on Friday evening, bringing a sudden rush of water to the Sharod Nala area in Sub Tehsil Jari. According to the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kullu, the incident occurred around 5:35 pm, leading to a sharp rise in the water level of Barogi Nala, which runs alongside Sharod Nala. Despite the sudden downpour, officials confirmed that there has been no loss of life or injuries, and the situation remains under control.
Authorities said the cloudburst took place after persistent rainfall in the region, which has already been battling the widespread effects of an active monsoon. Teams from the Fire Station Jari, Public Works Department Manikaran, and the District Public Communication Room (DPCR) Kullu responded quickly to assess the situation. The Central Water Commission’s Mohal unit also monitored the water levels closely to ensure public safety.
The latest cloudburst adds to the challenges Himachal Pradesh is facing this monsoon season. Heavy rain and flash floods have disrupted normal life in several districts. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), 357 roads remain blocked, 599 power distribution transformers are out of service, and 177 water supply schemes have been affected. The continuous downpours have also led to multiple landslides, further isolating some remote areas.
This year’s monsoon has already claimed 208 lives in the hill state. Of these, 112 deaths were caused by rain-related disasters such as landslides, floods, and house collapses, while over 90 fatalities resulted from road accidents. Officials attribute the rise in accidents to poor visibility, slippery roads, and the hazardous driving conditions that come with prolonged rainfall in hilly terrain.
Weather forecasts suggest that the rain is unlikely to let up in the coming days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for several districts, including Shimla, Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur, warning of moderate rainfall on August 9. An orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall is in place for August 11 and 12 in parts of the state, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official updates closely.
The incident in Kullu comes just over a week after a devastating cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district. In that event, five people lost their lives, and many remain missing after torrents of mud and debris swept through the Kheer Gadh area. The sudden surge of water destroyed homes, shops, and roads, forcing rescue teams to work round-the-clock to search for survivors. Videos from the site showed how the landscape transformed within minutes, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly such events can turn deadly.
While the Sharod Nala cloudburst did not cause casualties, the recurring pattern of extreme weather events in the Himalayan region highlights the growing risk to life and infrastructure during the monsoon. With alerts still in place, officials in Himachal Pradesh are urging residents to remain vigilant as the state navigates yet another spell of heavy rain.
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