Monsoon Havoc in Himachal: Flash Flood Blocks NH-5 in Kinnaur, Patient Rescued Across Swollen Stream

Punjab Newsline | Shimla

Monsoon rains have unleashed widespread disruption in Himachal Pradesh, with flash floods causing severe damage in the tribal district of Kinnaur and cutting off connectivity in Lahaul-Spiti.

A sudden flash flood triggered by torrential overnight rainfall near Choling in Kinnaur blocked the National Highway-5 after large volumes of debris and slush covered the road. Several vehicles travelling on the highway were trapped as the floodwaters swept mud and rocks onto the roadway.

Despite the scale of the incident, no casualties or injuries were reported, and all those stranded were rescued safely.

Confirming the incident, Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma said heavy machinery had been deployed to clear the debris and remove stranded vehicles. Administrative teams are stationed at the site and are working to restore traffic on the crucial highway at the earliest.

Patient Rescued Across Flooded Jahlma Stream

In a separate incident, floodwaters in the Jahlma stream in Lahaul-Spiti damaged the existing bridge and washed away a temporary crossing built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), disrupting road connectivity to Udaipur subdivision and the Pangi Valley.

On Wednesday, Shanti Devi, a resident of Shenur village, was referred to Kullu for treatment after suffering from a chest infection and breathing difficulties. When the ambulance reached the flooded Jahlma stream, it was unable to cross due to the strong current.

BRO personnel and police officials carried out a rescue operation, transporting the patient on a stretcher across the stream using a backhoe loader. After crossing safely, she was shifted to the Regional Hospital in Kullu, where her condition is reported to be improving.

BRO restored traffic on Thursday morning by constructing another temporary bridge over the stream. The original Jahlma bridge had been damaged in a landslide in May, and work on a permanent bridge is currently underway.

Local MLA Anuradha Rana said the new bridge is expected to be completed by the end of this month.