Chamba (Rajeev Sharma): A cloudburst-like spell of heavy rain triggered a flash flood in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district late Monday night, causing widespread damage in the Sarol area. The sudden surge of water, mixed with mud and debris, inundated residential neighbourhoods, forcing families to flee their homes as panic gripped the locality.
The floodwaters carried large quantities of silt, stones and rubble into several houses, damaging property and leaving residents struggling to salvage their belongings. In one severely affected house, an entire floor was reportedly buried under thick layers of debris. Around ten vehicles parked in the area were also trapped beneath the mud and rubble.
The incident unfolded while most residents were asleep, prompting many to rush outdoors for safety. Several families spent the remainder of the night on roadsides and open spaces as a precaution amid fears of further flooding.
Once conditions improved, local authorities and emergency personnel reached the affected area to assess the extent of the damage and begin relief efforts. No major casualties have been reported so far, though the destruction to homes and vehicles is said to be significant.
With monsoon activity intensifying across Himachal Pradesh, residents have appealed for improved drainage systems and stronger flood-prevention measures in vulnerable areas. Officials have also advised people living near seasonal streams, hill slopes and low-lying regions to remain alert, as continued rainfall could trigger more flash floods and landslides in the coming days.
