Devastating cloudburst wreaks havoc in northern India’s valley
August 5, 2024
In a devastating incident, a cloudburst hit northern India’s Himachal Pradesh resulting in flooding of drains.
The incident took place in Chicham village of Kaza subdivision in Spiti Valley on August 4.
Visuals showed rocks tumbling down the valley’s mountains, scattering debris across the road and causing significant inconvenience to locals. The cloudburst inflicted severe damage on the infrastructure and vehicles in the area.
According to the reports, the cloudburst occurred at around 5.30 pm, causing a sudden flood in the Chicham Nullah, which runs through the middle of Chicham village. According to SDM Kaza Amarinder Singh, preliminary reports indicate that one or two vehicles were swept away in the flood.Revenue and police teams have been dispatched to the area to assess the damage caused by the flood. Locals have reported that a car was swept away, and residents living on the banks of the drain have been instructed to evacuate immediately.
Initial reports suggest no loss of life or significant property damage. However, SDM Kaza confirmed that a flash flood in Mane Dang near Shichiling on NH-505 has resulted in road closures and stranded vehicles. Efforts to restore the roadway are ongoing.
Himachal Pradesh has been experiencing frequent cloudburst incidents. Earlier this week, similar events were reported in the Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts. A woman was swept away by a flood in Saganam in Spiti Valley, and another cloudburst on Darcha Shinkula Road in the Lahaul subdivision caused damage to a road and two bridges.