A catastrophic cloudburst struck Gutrahan village in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district in the early hours of Saturday, unleashing torrents of water and debris that buried vehicles, devastated agricultural lands, and disrupted life in the serene Namhol area of Naina Devi assembly constituency. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the scale of destruction has left the local community reeling, officials confirmed.
The cloudburst, which occurred in the pre-dawn hours, sent powerful streams of water cascading through the village, carrying mud, rocks, and debris that overwhelmed agricultural fields. “The gushing waters swept away our farmlands, scattering debris everywhere,” said Kashmir Singh, a distraught villager. “Our crops, our livelihoods, are buried under the rubble.” Several vehicles, including cars and farm equipment, were also engulfed by the debris, leaving residents to grapple with significant losses.
The disaster in Gutrahan is the latest in a series of weather-related calamities to hit Himachal Pradesh this monsoon season, which has been marked by excessive rainfall and widespread destruction. According to meteorological data, the state has received 967.2 mm of rainfall from June 1 to September 12, a staggering 43% above the normal average of 678.4 mm. The unrelenting rains have triggered floods, landslides, and road closures, exacerbating the challenges faced by the hill state.
Also Read: Kishtwar Update: Warwan Valley Destroyed, 190 Homes Damaged
On Saturday morning, dense fog blanketed Shimla, the state capital, reducing visibility to just a few meters and causing significant inconvenience for commuters, particularly during school hours. The local meteorological office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall in isolated parts of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday and Sunday, urging residents to stay vigilant.
The cloudburst’s impact compounds an already dire situation in the state. As of Friday evening, 503 roads, including major routes like the Attari-Leh road (National Highway-3), Aut-Sainj road (NH-305), and Amritsar-Bhota road (NH-503A), remained closed due to ongoing floods and landslides, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). Additionally, 953 power transformers and 336 water supply schemes have been disrupted, severely affecting essential services across the region.
The monsoon season, which began on June 20, has been particularly devastating this year. Since its onset, 386 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents and road accidents, with 218 deaths attributed to floods and landslides and 168 to vehicular mishaps. The financial toll is equally staggering, with Himachal Pradesh incurring losses estimated at Rs 4,465 crore, officials reported.
Local authorities are now mobilizing to assess the damage in Gutrahan and provide relief to affected residents. Efforts are underway to clear debris and restore access to the village, but the scale of destruction poses significant challenges. Farmers, whose fields have been rendered unusable, face an uncertain future, with many calling for urgent government assistance to rebuild their livelihoods.
As the rain continues to batter the region, residents are bracing for more challenges. The meteorological department’s warning of additional heavy rainfall has heightened concerns about further disruptions. For now, the people of Gutrahan and other affected areas are left to pick up the pieces, hoping for swift aid and a reprieve from the relentless monsoon.
Also Read: Cloudburst and Landslide Strike Jammu and Kashmir Again