Floods Ravage Himachal's Dharamshala, Kashmir's Ganderbal; Rescue Ops On

Heavy rains have been reported in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir.

(Photo: Video Screengrab)

Several vehicles pile up amid flash floods in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala.

Heavy rains have wreaked havoc with flash floods being reported in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir.

"Two people died in the last two days due to heavy rainfall in the state. Rescue operation for 10 missing people is underway in Kangra. I'll visit Dharmshala to take cognisance," Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Pictures and visuals being shared on social media show several houses and shops being damaged due to a swollen Manjhi River in Dharamshala's Bhagsu Nag.

Several houses suffered damage due to the flash floods as the river changed its course and moved towards the road in the Chaitru village of Dharamshala, ANI reported.

"The river has changed its course and moved towards the road. A number of points on the road have been damaged. Restoration work is underway," Sushil Dadwal, Executive Engineer, PWD, was quoted as saying by the news agency.

Several reports suggest that the city has received over 3,000 mm rainfall so far.

The rainfall had spurred a landslide near the Dabrani region of Uttarkashi district on Monday, 12 July, causing a blockage of the Gangotri national highway. A restoration mission is being conducted around the highway by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), ANI reported.

The national highway near Jhakri in Rampur area of Shimla district was also reportedly blocked.

Home Minister Shah Speaks to Himachal CM, NDRF Teams Dispatched

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to say that all possible help is being provided by the government.

"The situation in Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rains is being closely monitored. Authorities are working with the state government. All possible support is being extended. I pray for the safety of those in affected areas," he said.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday, 12 July, took to Twitter to say that he had a conversation with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur regarding the situation in Dharamshala and that the Home Ministry is providing all possible help.

Meanwhile, Thakur told ANI that no casulties have been reported so far.

"So far, no casualty reported in Dharamshala flash flood. All the Deputy Commissioners and SPs have been ordered to stay alert and keep regulating tourist places. I appeal to all the tourists to avoid visiting high-risk areas," he said.

NDRF DG SN Pradhan said that while two teams have left for Bhagsu Nag, 5-10 teams are on standby in Nurpur. "After the report from Kangra District Magistrate that help is needed, two teams of NDRF left for Bhagsu Nag in Shahpur division. The team is about to reach. Other 5-10 teams of NDRF are on standby in Nurpur that's close to Kangra," he told ANI.

An NDRF rescue operation is also underway at the Boh village in Kangra district.

"As per local administration requirements, more teams of NDRF will be sent there," he added.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall was also reported in several parts of Uttarakhand. The Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway near Chamoli was also blocked by debris.

Flash floods in Kashmir's Ganderbal

In Kashmir, flash floods triggered by a cloudburst damaged several houses in Lar tehsil of Ganderbal. Roads and structures were reported to be damaged in the Watlar area on Monday.

According to Greater Kashmir, the police and the SDRF have launched restoration and rescue operations.

(With inputs from ANI and Greater Kashmir)