Flash floods triggered by continuous heavy rain cause cofferdam breach in Kullu, sweeping away machinery and vehicles; panic grips downstream areas.
Cofferdam Collapse at Malana-I Hydropower Project
A dramatic video from Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district shows the moment a cofferdam, part of the Malana-I Hydropower Project, collapsed amid intense flash floods. Continuous heavy rainfall caused a sudden surge in water levels, leading to the dam breach.
- Heavy machinery and vehicles including a hydra crane, dumper truck, rock breaker, and a camper were swept away by the powerful current.
- The viral footage captures debris and water tearing through the dam site and rushing downstream.
- Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
Impact of Heavy Rainfall on Rivers and Infrastructure
The Parvati River, which joins the Beas River near Bhuntar, rose significantly due to the ongoing monsoon rains, increasing flood risk in surrounding areas.
Landslide Blocks Chandigarh-Manali National Highway
Adding to the region’s woes, a massive landslide near Pandoh Dam in Mandi district blocked the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, disrupting traffic and isolating communities.
- Over 50 meters of the highway caved in due to the persistent rain.
- Authorities confirmed the landslide was triggered by continuous rainfall.
- The affected stretch between Pandoh Dam and Baglamukhi ropeway remains closed.
Sakshi Verma, Superintendent of Police, Mandi, stated,
“Continuous rainfall since last night is believed to have triggered the slide.”
Monsoon Wreaks Havoc Across Himachal Pradesh
The relentless monsoon has severely affected essential services across the state:
- 383 roads remain blocked as of August 2, 10:00 AM.
- 747 distribution transformers (DTRs) are disrupted.
- 249 water supply schemes are damaged or non-functional.
Key national highways including NH-305, NH-505, NH-21, and NH-03 are impassable due to landslides and debris accumulation. Interior roads in Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, and Una districts remain inaccessible, complicating rescue and repair operations.
Rain-Related Casualties and Warnings
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported:
- 173 deaths linked to rain and road accidents since the monsoon began.
- Out of these, 95 deaths resulted directly from rain-related disasters such as landslides, flash floods, and house collapses.
- 78 deaths occurred due to road accidents caused by slippery roads and poor visibility.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to stay alert as the monsoon persists.
The recent dam collapse and landslides in Himachal Pradesh highlight the growing challenges posed by the monsoon season. Authorities are working tirelessly to restore connectivity and provide relief to affected communities. Residents are urged to stay cautious and follow safety advisories as the region braces for more unpredictable weather in the coming days.
