Cloudburst and landslides devastate Kangra’s Boh Valley, several houses damaged

Heavy rainfall triggered a cloudburst and massive landslides in Himachal Pradesh’s Boh Valley in Kangra district on Tuesday morning, causing widespread destruction in Sapeda, Gharghoon, Bhangar and nearby villages. Several houses, cowsheds, farmland and roads were damaged after flash floods sent debris, rocks and water rushing downhill.

No loss of human life was reported as residents managed to evacuate in time. However, several livestock were killed, and one woman sustained injuries. Police, district administration and SDRF teams rushed to the affected areas and launched rescue and relief operations.

Local resident Gagan Thakur said his two-room house, kitchen and toilet were completely washed away. He added that around 15 to 16 houses were affected, with three to four completely destroyed, while many others suffered extensive damage. Agricultural fields, ponds and approach roads were also buried under debris.

Another resident, Kamal Sharma, said many roads were blocked due to landslides, making access to the affected villages difficult. He urged the administration to shift affected families to safer locations immediately, as several houses were no longer fit for habitation.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said the administration had deployed revenue officials and SDRF teams to assess the damage and assist affected families. Temporary shelters, food, drinking water, bedding and other essential supplies are being arranged for those displaced by the disaster. He also said the source of the Gaj Khad drinking water scheme in Dharamshala had been damaged, following which alternative water supply arrangements had been initiated.

Additional Superintendent of Police Veer Bahadur said joint teams of the police, SDRF and district administration were continuing rescue operations. Preliminary reports indicate that 15 to 20 houses were either completely destroyed or buried under debris, while a primary school also suffered damage. The administration has appealed to people to avoid travelling unnecessarily, stay away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas during heavy rain, and follow weather advisories issued by the authorities.