Flash Floods Ravage Himachal Pradesh: Footbridge and Sheds Washed Away

A recent flash flood in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, led to the destruction of a footbridge and three makeshift sheds. With no reported casualties, officials have urged residents to avoid rivers and temporary structures near water bodies. There is an 'orange' alert for severe weather ahead, with potential landslides and agricultural damage.

A flash flood triggered by a cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district swept away a footbridge and three makeshift sheds, including a liquor shop, officials reported on Tuesday.

The incident occurred in the Tosh area of Manikaran early in the morning. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, according to Deputy Commissioner Kullu Torul S Raveesh. A team has been dispatched to assess the damage.

''We urge people to stay away from rivers and rivulets and avoid constructing temporary structures near nallahs,'' said the deputy commissioner, emphasizing that construction is prohibited during the monsoon season. Strict action will be taken against offenders.

The local meteorological office issued an 'orange' alert for heavy rains, thunderstorms, and lightning in seven districts for Wednesday and Thursday. A 'yellow' alert has also been issued for isolated heavy rain on August 2 and 3.

The monsoon is expected to intensify, bringing widespread precipitation over the next four to five days. Spells of heavy to very heavy rainfall are forecasted for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts on Wednesday and Thursday.

Officials warned of potential landslides, flash floods, and damage to plantations, structures, and crops in vulnerable areas of Kullu, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, and Kinnaur districts.

Some parts of the state experienced light rainfall, with Sarahan and Rohru recording 12 mm since Monday evening. The state emergency operation centre reported 62 rain-related deaths and Rs 425 crore in damages since the onset of the monsoon on June 27.

(With inputs from agencies.)