Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, June 25
A cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh’s Sainj Valley has triggered a sudden flash flood in the Jiwa stream, causing damage to infrastructure and prompting authorities to issue a high alert across the region. The incident occurred in Kullu district, despite earlier claims by authorities that all precautionary measures for monsoon preparedness were in place. D.C. Rana, Director of Disaster Management for Himachal Pradesh, said: “We are taking all necessary steps and have advised people to remain vigilant.”
While officials maintained that no casualties or major losses had been reported, local residents offered a starkly different account. They said the swollen Jiwa stream in Siund village brought down heavy debris, washed away a road, and damaged key infrastructure, including a shed belonging to a hydroelectric project. A scooter was also swept away by the floodwaters.
The Parvati River, which flows nearby, is reportedly rising rapidly due to continuous rainfall. Emergency response teams have been placed on standby as the weather remains unpredictable. Officials said water levels are being closely monitored to minimise further risk.
The cloudburst comes amid renewed concerns over the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events during the monsoon season, which has grown more volatile in recent years.
