Kangra, 1 March 2025 — A flashflood triggered by a cloudburst caused widespread damage in Chherana village, located in Himachal Pradesh’s remote Chhota Bhanghal valley, officials said on Saturday. At least 14 houses, multiple vehicles, and a local middle school were damaged.
Continuous landslides forced the evacuation of 50 houses, with residents moving to safer areas. The valley remains cut off as roads to Multhan, Luhardi, Barot, and Kothi Kohar are blocked by fallen trees and debris, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.
Heavy rainfall over the last 48 hours has uprooted power poles, plunging dozens of villages into darkness. In response, local authorities opened the floodgates of two hydroelectric projects to manage rising waters in the Uhal and Lamb Dug rivers, though several campsites along the Uhal River sustained significant damage.
The district administration has issued an advisory urging locals and tourists to stay away from rivers and streams, as the Meteorological Department predicts more rain in the next 24 hours.
Residents voiced concerns over delayed relief efforts, while Baijnath MLA Kishori Lal confirmed that rescue teams were dispatched to the valley. “I am in constant touch with rescue workers and have directed the administration to prioritize relief and rehabilitation,” he said.
