Multiple flash floods triggered by cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh, 2 dead

At least two people have died and around seven to 10 others are reportedly missing after cloudbursts triggered massive flash floods in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra and Kullu districts, officials said on Wednesday.

In Kangra's Khaniyara village, emergency responders, district administration officials, and police personnel reached the spot while two bodies were recovered. Officials said that the number of people affected by the flash floods is not known yet.

According to the Chief Minister's Office and the Deputy Commissioner, this is an emerging situation.\

There was a power project where workers, mostly labourers, were working when a sudden and heavy downpour battered the region.

Meanwhile, BJP President JP Nadda expressed grief over the loss of life in the flash floods and vowed the government's full support in carrying out rescue operations.

"Received sad news of many workers being swept away due to a sudden rise in water flow in Manuni Khad of Khaniyara near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. In this hour of crisis, every BJP worker is dedicated to providing all possible help to the citizens of Devbhoomi. I pray to God to give peace to the departed souls and provide strength to the bereaved families," Nadda wrote in Hindi on X (former Twitter).

This came hours after the Mandi district administration issued an alert after a cloudburst incident in the Sainj valley of Kullu district.

Warnings were issued about the release of water from the Panhoh dam into the Beas river, while tourists and local people were advised to stay adrift from the Beas river.

People were also requested to contact the District Disaster Authority and the District Administration numbers in case they needed help.

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With inputs from Ashok Raina and Dharamveer