Daijiworld Media Network – Kullu
Kullu, Aug 2: A terrifying video from Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district has captured the moment a cofferdam at the Malana-I Hydropower Project gave way under the force of flash floods triggered by relentless rainfall.
The sudden collapse sent shockwaves through downstream areas, as the Parvati River—already swollen from days of heavy rain—raged uncontrollably. The gushing waters swept away heavy machinery stationed near the dam, including a hydra crane, dumper truck, rock breaker, and a camper vehicle. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
The Parvati River, which converges with the Beas River near Bhuntar, surged dangerously, causing widespread concern. The incident follows a massive landslide that recently struck the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway near the Pandoh Dam in Mandi, completely blocking the vital route.
Over 50 metres of the highway caved in, officials said, due to continuous downpours. The damaged stretch lies between the Pandoh Dam and the Baglamukhi ropeway. Superintendent of Police, Mandi, Sakshi Verma confirmed, “The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has been blocked following a landslide near Pandoh Dam, triggered by overnight rain.”
The situation in Himachal Pradesh has continued to deteriorate. As per the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), as of 10:00 am on August 2, a staggering 383 roads remain blocked, 747 power transformers disrupted, and 249 water supply schemes rendered non-functional.
National highways including NH-305, NH-505, NH-21, and NH-03 remain impassable due to landslides and debris. Interior routes in Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, and Una are also inaccessible, hampering relief efforts.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported that 173 people have died in rain-related incidents and road accidents since the onset of the monsoon. Of these, 95 lost their lives due to natural calamities like landslides, flash floods, and house collapses, while 78 died in road mishaps, many attributed to slippery conditions and poor visibility.
Authorities remain on high alert as the monsoon continues to batter the hill state.