A sudden flash flood triggered by incessant monsoon downpours has severely disrupted traffic on National Highway 5 near Choling in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The incident occurred late on Thursday evening, leaving several vehicles stranded on both sides of the highway as debris and boulders from the adjacent hillside cascaded onto the road.
Details of the Incident
According to local officials, the flash flood was caused by a cloudburst in the upper reaches of the Baspa River catchment area. The sudden surge of water and mud swept away a section of the highway, blocking vehicular movement completely. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 15 to 20 vehicles, including passenger buses and trucks, are stuck near Choling and the adjoining areas.
“The situation is critical. We have deployed machinery to clear the debris, but the continuous rain is hampering rescue operations,” said a senior official from the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD). He added that the stretch is prone to such events during the monsoon season.
Impact on Connectivity
National Highway 5 is a vital artery connecting Kinnaur to the rest of Himachal Pradesh and further to the border areas. The blockade has cut off access to several villages and towns in the upper reaches, including Reckong Peo, the district headquarters. Tourists and locals alike have been advised to avoid travel on this route until further notice.
The district administration has set up temporary relief camps at Choling and nearby villages to provide shelter and food to stranded passengers. “We are coordinating with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the state disaster response force to expedite clearance,” said Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Verma.
Weather Warning and Precautionary Measures
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts in Himachal Pradesh, including Kinnaur, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from riverbanks and hilly slopes prone to landslides.
“We are monitoring the situation closely. People are advised to follow safety guidelines and avoid unnecessary travel,” said a spokesperson for the State Disaster Management Authority.
Broader Monsoon Impact in Himachal
This is not an isolated incident. Himachal Pradesh has been reeling under severe monsoon fury for the past week, with multiple landslides and flash floods reported from Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts. According to state data, at least 12 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents since June 1, and over 200 roads remain closed across the state.
The NH-5 blockage near Choling is expected to take at least 24 to 48 hours to clear, provided weather conditions improve. Meanwhile, the administration is exploring alternative routes to restore connectivity.
