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Cloudburst triggers flash floods in Himachal's Pangi valley; Workers rescued, roads cut off
Uddin and Hillu streams overflow after cloudburst in Chamba district; road connectivity disrupted as authorities launch restoration work.
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Shimla/Chamba (Himachal Pradesh), July 20, 2026: A cloudburst in the remote Pangi Valley of Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district on Monday triggered flash floods in the Uddin and Hillu streams, disrupting road connectivity and prompting an emergency rescue operation.
The sudden surge of water washed debris onto roads and completely severed the road link between Uddin and Hillu villages, bringing traffic to a standstill.
Several workers employed by the VB-G RAM G company, who were working in Uddin village when the cloudburst struck, were briefly stranded due to the rising floodwaters. Members of the local Prajamandal quickly launched a rescue operation and safely evacuated all the workers, preventing any loss of life.
The overflowing Hillu stream also caused significant damage to a temporary bridge and adjoining roads, further affecting transportation in the area.
Following the incident, officials from the local administration rushed to the site to assess the damage. The Naib Tehsildar inspected the affected areas as relief and restoration efforts were initiated.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has deployed teams to clear debris from the roads and restore connectivity between the affected villages at the earliest.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid rivers, streams, landslide-prone areas and damaged roads until weather conditions improve. They have also appealed to the public to immediately inform the administration in case of any emergency.
No casualties have been reported in the incident so far, while restoration and relief operations are continuing in the affected areas.