Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods in Kangra's Shahpur, Six Houses Washed Away; No Casualties Reported

Dharamshala, July 21, 2026: Heavy monsoon rains unleashed widespread devastation in the Shahpur subdivision of Kangra district after a cloudburst struck the Boh Valley on Monday, triggering flash floods and massive debris flows that caused extensive damage in Spada and Garhgun villages.
According to initial reports, residents heard a loud blast-like sound from the hills moments before a powerful torrent of water, mud, and boulders rushed downhill. The flash flood completely washed away six houses, forcing villagers to flee to safer locations. Their timely evacuation is believed to have prevented any loss of life, and no casualties have been reported so far.
The district administration responded immediately after receiving information about the incident and launched relief and rescue operations. An SDRF team has also been requisitioned to assist in the rescue effort. However, continuous rainfall and multiple landslides have hampered access to the affected villages.
Officials said heavy landslides have been reported in the Dibba and Maned Nallah areas, making it difficult for rescue teams and administrative personnel to reach the disaster-hit locations.
Shahpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Dr. Ganesh Thakur said he had personally left for the affected area to oversee the relief operations. He added that the administration was closely monitoring the evolving situation and was making every effort to provide immediate assistance to the affected families.
Authorities have begun assessing the extent of the damage, while the India Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall across the region and advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid venturing into vulnerable areas.
Shahpur MLA and Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Whip Keval Singh Pathania has directed the district administration to expedite relief and rescue operations in the rain-affected Dharkandi region. Although currently away from his constituency, Pathania has remained in constant touch with officials of the district administration, Revenue Department, Public Works Department, and other concerned agencies.
He instructed officials to provide immediate relief to the affected families, ensure their relocation to safer places wherever necessary, and restore essential services without delay. The MLA also directed the Public Works Department to clear roads blocked by landslides on a priority basis and restore traffic movement at the earliest to minimise inconvenience to the public.
The administration continues to monitor the situation as rescue teams work to reach isolated areas and assess the full impact of the cloudburst.