Severe Monsoon Disrupts Life in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh

Impact of Monsoon Rains in Kullu

Munish Sood
MANDI: Continuous heavy rainfall has severely disrupted daily life in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, leading to school closures, blocked roads, and emergency services working tirelessly to address extensive damage.

Since the night of August 3, 2025, relentless downpours have caused landslides, flash floods, and the collapse of infrastructure in various areas, prompting authorities to issue red alerts in vulnerable regions.

To ensure safety, all educational institutions, including government and private schools, colleges, anganwadis, and vocational centers in the Manali and Banjar sub-divisions, have been ordered to remain closed for the day. This precautionary measure aims to protect students and staff from potential road blockages and landslides.

Cofferdam Collapse Causes Flash Flood

Cofferdam collapse sparks flash flood in Malana

A significant incident occurred when a cofferdam at the Malana-I Hydropower Project collapsed under heavy water pressure, resulting in a flash flood that swept away machinery and vehicles. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the dramatic images of rushing water at the project site alarmed residents in the valley. This event has raised concerns regarding the structural integrity of hydroelectric facilities in ecologically sensitive areas like Kullu.

Numerous landslides have been reported throughout the Sainj Valley. In Duridhar village, 20 residents from 11 homes were evacuated to safer locations after cracks appeared on unstable slopes. Relief camps have been established in the area, providing food and medical assistance to those affected.

Infrastructure and Utility Disruptions

Infrastructure crippled, power and water lines down

Road access has been significantly hindered, with rural internal roads becoming impassable. Key national highways, particularly the Chandigarh-Manali and Manali-Leh routes, are frequently obstructed by falling debris and mudslides, leading to the suspension of public transport in several areas.

Widespread power outages have occurred due to damage to transformers, and over a dozen rural water supply systems are reported to be inoperative. Restoration teams are facing challenges in reaching affected locations due to ongoing rainfall.

This current monsoon season has compounded the already dire situation in Himachal Pradesh, where over 170 individuals have lost their lives due to weather-related incidents since June 20. Additionally, more than 88,000 hectares of agricultural land have been devastated, with Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan being among the hardest-hit districts.

Crisis Management Efforts

Kullu Deputy Commissioner leads crisis response

Kullu's Deputy Commissioner, Torul S Raveesh, is actively overseeing the situation from the District Emergency Operations Centre. Under her guidance, disaster response teams, public works officials, and local authorities have been mobilized for rescue, relief, and restoration operations. Evacuated families are being provided with shelter, and medical teams are on standby in flood-prone areas.

The Deputy Commissioner has also instructed continuous monitoring of river levels and vulnerable hillsides, while coordinating with the meteorological department to ensure timely weather alerts. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors, especially in areas susceptible to landslides or near overflowing rivers.