Key points
- Late-night cloudburst near Kanoon village in Kullu’s Lag Valley sweeps away a bridge on Bubu drain, three shops, and damages nearby orchards.
- District administration orders immediate closure of schools and colleges in Kullu and Banjar sub-divisions; multiple villages face connectivity outages.
- Continuous rain triggers landslides and flood-like conditions; relief teams face access challenges amid persistent downpours.
- Statewide impact: 389 roads, including two national highways, closed; power and water supplies disrupted in several areas.
- IMD issues a yellow alert for Kullu on August 19; risk of further landslides and flash floods remains elevated.
Kullu: A sudden late-night cloudburst struck high reaches above Kanoon village in Kullu district’s Lag Valley, unleashing a rapid surge in the Bubu drain. The torrent washed away a key bridge and swept three roadside shops, while damaging adjacent orchards and inundating stretches downstream. Locals captured videos showing the force of the debris-laden flow, highlighting the scale of the flash flood.
Administration’s response
- Precautionary closures: The Kullu district administration ordered all schools and colleges in Kullu and Banjar sub-divisions to remain closed immediately, citing safety concerns and unstable hillsides.
- Connectivity and safety: DC Kullu S. Ravish (IAS) said continuous rain has triggered landslides and falling boulders on multiple roads, severing access to several villages and complicating movement for emergency services.
- Rescue and relief: Teams are mobilized for on-ground assessments, evacuations where needed, and to restore essential connectivity; however, heavy rain and recurrent slides are slowing access to the worst-hit pockets.
Weather and risk outlook
- Alert status: A yellow alert for Kullu on August 19 warns of localized heavy rain, possible landslides, and flash floods, particularly near steep slopes, streams, and drain outfalls.
- Monsoon context: The region has endured weeks of intense rainfall, with earlier cloudbursts reported from Kinnaur and other hill districts, keeping saturation levels high and slope stability low.
Statewide disruption
- Road closures: Across Himachal Pradesh, 389 roads including two national highways are shut due to landslides, slippages, and waterlogging. Restoration crews are working with priority on lifeline corridors, subject to weather windows.
- Utilities: Power and piped water supplies are disrupted in multiple locations as lines and feeder roads are affected; repairs are ongoing where conditions permit.
On-ground guidance for residents
- Avoid riverbanks and drains: Stay away from swollen nallahs/khuds and footbridges; do not attempt stream crossings.
- Travel only if essential: Check latest road status before travel; heed traffic advisories and barricades.
- Slope safety: Remain vigilant for cracks, unusual water seepage, or rockfall sounds; relocate temporarily if homes show distress.
- Emergency readiness: Keep phones charged, stock drinking water, dry food, essential medicines, and carry ID; share location with relatives if moving.
- Follow official updates: Monitor district administration and local disaster management advisories for closures, evacuations, and restoration timelines.
What to watch next
- Restoration of the Bubu drain bridge and opening of key blocked roads as rainfall intensity varies.
- Revised weather bulletins for Kullu and neighboring districts; alert upgrades if rain bands intensify.
- Damage assessment of shops, orchards, and community infrastructure; relief assistance announcements.
- Connectivity to cut-off villages and roll-out of temporary footways or Bailey bridges if needed.
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