Wed Jun 25 21:17:21 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on it:
**Summary:**
Cloudbursts and heavy rains caused widespread destruction in Himachal Pradesh on June 25, 2025. Two deaths have been confirmed, while approximately 20 are feared swept away near a hydroelectric project site in Kangra district. Additionally, three people are missing in Kullu district due to flash floods. Extensive damage to infrastructure, including houses, roads, bridges, and vehicles, has been reported across several districts. Rescue operations are underway, but challenging weather conditions are hampering efforts. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for further heavy rain and flash flood risk in several districts.
**News Article:**
**Himachal Pradesh Ravaged by Cloudbursts, Flash Floods; Multiple Casualties Feared**
*Shimla/Dharamshala, June 26, 2025* – Himachal Pradesh is grappling with the aftermath of devastating cloudbursts and flash floods that struck the state on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025. At least two fatalities have been confirmed, and fears are mounting for the safety of approximately 20 workers who are believed to have been swept away by surging floodwaters in Kangra district.
The incident occurred near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project site in Khaniyara, where a labour colony was inundated following a cloudburst in the Manuni Khad. Project work had been suspended due to the rain, but workers were sheltering in temporary structures when floodwaters struck.
In Kullu district, three individuals are missing after cloudbursts triggered flash floods in the Sainj and Gadsa areas. Many homes, a school building, shops, roads, and bridges have been severely damaged or destroyed. A shocking video circulating online shows a car being swept away by raging floodwaters in Kullu.
“Heavy rains are continuing since the morning. I received several calls saying rains have caused huge damage in Sainj, Tirthan and Gadsa. I would appeal to the people to stay away from the rivers and drains. I have asked the administration to take quick action as people are in trouble,” stated Banjar MLA Surinder Shauri.
The Manali-Chandigarh National Highway has sustained partial damage, and water levels in the Beas and Sutlej rivers have risen significantly. Landslides have blocked the Kaza to Samdoh road in Lahaul-Spiti.
Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local administration, and revenue departments are engaged in ongoing search and rescue operations. However, challenging weather conditions are hindering their progress.
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange warning of heavy rain at isolated places in four to seven districts over the next four days. They have also cautioned of low to moderate flash flood risk in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur districts until this evening. Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid areas prone to flooding and landslides.
First Piper 