In Kinnaur district, near Choling, overnight heavy rainfall led to a powerful flash flood in the Choling stream. The surge carried massive debris and sludge downstream, completely blocking National Highway 5. The force of the flood was so intense that several vehicles passing through the stretch were trapped amid the accumulated debris. Despite the severity of the incident, prompt action by the administration and local residents ensured that no loss of life was reported.
Taking immediate cognizance of the situation, Deputy Commissioner Kinnaur, Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma, personally monitored the response operations. Under his directions, heavy machinery from the Border Roads Organisation and the local administration was deployed to restore connectivity and safely evacuate stranded vehicles from the affected stretch.
In a separate incident, Lahaul and Spiti’s Jahalma stream witnessed a significant flood event that further intensified public hardship. The temporary bridge constructed by the Border Roads Organisation to replace an earlier damaged structure, which was destroyed due to a landslide in May, was swept away by the strong water current. This resulted in the complete disruption of connectivity between the Udaipur subdivision and the Pangi Valley.
According to meteorological assessments, the Kalpa region of Kinnaur is expected to remain highly vulnerable throughout July. The highest recorded rainfall in Kalpa during July was 191.6 millimeters in 2023. Early July readings for 2026 already indicate rising intensity, with 10.6 millimeters recorded on July 2 and 8.9 millimeters on July 3, signaling the strengthening of monsoon conditions.
Weather experts have warned that rainfall in the initial phase of the season is loosening mountain soil, significantly increasing the risk of landslides and sudden floods. In view of the escalating threat, the administration has advised tourists and local residents to avoid rivers and streams and undertake travel only in case of emergency.
The situation underscores the growing vulnerability of Himachal Pradesh’s mountainous terrain during peak monsoon activity, where continuous rainfall is rapidly transforming stable routes into high-risk zones, severely impacting connectivity and public safety.
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