Cloud Burst Devastates Himachal’s Tosh Hills; Bridges, Shops, and Sheds Washed Away in Kullu

Kullu: A cloudburst hit Tosh Nallah region of Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district triggering a flash flood on Tuesday. A footbridge and three makeshift sheds, including a liquor shop were washed away in the flash flood, said officials. The incident occurred early in the morning in the Tosh area of Manikaran. 

Deputy Commissioner Kullu Torul S. Raveesh said that no loss of life has been reported and a team has been dispatched to the site to assess the situation. "Our appeal to the people is to stay away from rivers and rivulets and do not make temporary structures near nallahs," she said.

The deputy commissioner said that construction activity is prohibited during the monsoon and strict action would be taken against anyone defying the norms.

The local meteorological office has issued an 'orange' alert for heavy to very heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, in seven districts of the state on Wednesday and Thursday. Meanwhile, a 'yellow' alert has been issued for heavy rain at isolated locations on August 2 and 3. The Met office predicts intensified monsoon activity with widespread precipitation over the next four to five days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in one or two places in the districts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur on Wednesday and Thursday.

The weather office has also warned of potential landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas of Kullu, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, and Kinnaur districts. There could be damage to plantations, standing crops, vulnerable structures, and 'kutcha' houses due to strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, light rainfall has been recorded in several parts of the state. According to the Meteorological Centre Shimla, Sarahan and Rohru have received 12 mm of rainfall since Monday evening, followed by Sangrah (10 mm), Jogindernagar (8 mm), Sainj (6.5 mm), Manali (6 mm), Rampur (5.8 mm), Dharamshala (5.4 mm), and Gohar (5 mm).

As of Monday evening, rain-related incidents have claimed 62 lives in the state since the onset of the monsoon on June 27. The state has incurred losses amounting to Rs 425 crore due to the ongoing monsoon, according to the state emergency operation center.