Kullu: The picturesque landscapes of Himachal Pradesh have turned into scenes of devastation as torrential rains triggered flash floods, sweeping away vehicles and disrupting life in the Kullu district. Amidst this chaos, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has issued a stern warning to citizens, urging them to stay away from rivers and streams to avoid further casualties. The flash floods and landslides have caused widespread damage, blocking crucial roads and crippling power and water supplies across the state.
In the heart of the crisis, Kullu district has borne the brunt of the flash floods, with vehicles either swept away or trapped in deep sludge. The situation is further complicated by the Met Department’s forecast of light snowfall in isolated areas of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts, adding to the challenges faced by rescue teams. The impact is extensive, with a total of 583 roads, including five National Highways, blocked due to snowfall and rain, severely limiting access to affected areas.
The power supply has been severely affected, with 2,263 distribution transformers down, plunging numerous areas into darkness. Moreover, 279 water supply schemes have been impacted, leaving many regions without essential services. In an effort to mitigate the flood effects, Chief Minister Sukhu has directed authorities to open the gates of one of the power project dams in the Kullu valley. Educational institutions in the affected districts have been closed due to the severe weather conditions, further disrupting daily life.
