Cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh brings flash floods, high alert issued in Kullu

A cloudburst was reported in the Saij valley of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh, leading to flash floods. A high alert has been issued in the surrounding areas due to heavy rains.

According to the local administration, the Parvati River has overflowed its banks. However, no casualties have been reported so far. Trees have fallen in many areas.

Nirmand SDM Manmohan Singh said that a flood-like situation is afoot due to incessant rains. However, no casualties have been reported so far. A landslide has also occurred on the Hindustan-Tibet Road (National Highway 5) in Zhakri.

Just last month, the 126 MW Larji Hydroelectric Power Project in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, which saw one of the deadliest floods in seven decades, became operational with an outlay of nearly ₹250 crore, said the government. 

The government said slope stabilisation work, including the installation of cable nets and rockfall barriers, was completed near the surge shaft gates and is underway at the powerhouse entrance to mitigate risks from landslides and falling debris.

Additionally, a hinged gate has been installed at the Main Access Tunnel to prevent water ingress during high floods. A similar gate is being constructed at the emergency exit tunnel, with supporting civil works to ensure a secure, watertight system.

In 1953, a significant flood occurred at the Larji Hydro Electric Project, and that was a historical high flood. This flood, recorded on August 3, 1953, had a discharge of 3,838.37 cumecs, whereas the flood that occurred in 2023, with a discharge of 5,600 cumecs, significantly exceeded the 1953 flood.