Multiple Flash Floods Hit Himachal Pradesh: 4 Dead, 15 Missing

Weather Department Issues 24-Hour Flash Flood Warning for Five Districts

Representational Image

June 26, 2025

Himachal Pradesh is facing a severe weather crisis as flash floods triggered by multiple cloudbursts have killed four people and left 15 others missing across Kangra and Kullu districts. The state meteorological department has issued warnings for more flooding in the next 24 hours.

The worst incident occurred at the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project near Khanyara village in Kangra district. A cloudburst caused flash floods in a nearby stream, sweeping away workers who were resting in temporary shelters. Four bodies have been recovered while six laborers remain missing. Over 170 workers were safely evacuated by local authorities.

In Kullu district, nine people were swept away in separate incidents. Three people from Rehla Bihal area are still missing after they were washed away while trying to save valuables from their homes. Another six workers from the hydroelectric project site are also unaccounted for.

Rescue operations are in full swing with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and home guard teams deployed. Drones are being used to search for missing persons in forest areas.

BJP national president J.P. Nadda expressed condolences to bereaved families. Local MLA Sudhir Sharma criticized the placement of worker shelters near the drain and demanded an investigation into possible negligence.

The weather department has warned of light to moderate flash flood risk in Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, Sirmaur, and Chamba districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in isolated areas, raising concerns about more flooding incidents.