Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Aug 28: Torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu-Manali have unleashed devastating floods and landslides, cutting off the popular tourist hub from the outside world and affecting Tibetan settlements in the region.
Two days ago, Manali witnessed one of the heaviest downpours in recent memory, leaving the hill town in near-total isolation. The swollen Beas River washed away large stretches of both the left bank and right bank approach roads, halting vehicular movement into the valley. With arterial routes gone, supplies of food, fuel, and other essentials have been disrupted, while several areas remain without electricity, drinking water, and mobile connectivity.
Among the affected areas were Tibetan settlements along the Beas river. Speaking with Phayul Tenzin Tsultem, Tibetan Welfare Officer of Kullu-Manali stated, the Palrabling settlement in Dobhi was inundated on August 26 after floodwaters carrying debris and sediments swept into the colony. Though no houses were destroyed, the main access road was washed away, forcing residents to evacuate to higher ground. Cleanup of mud and debris is currently underway.
In Manali town, six Tibetan houses suffered damage after a landslide sent silt and rocks crashing into homes. At the Kullu Youlokoe settlement — which lost 19 houses during 2023’s floods — the Beas river once again rose above protective floodwalls this week, though waters did not breach the community.
Just three days before the floods, President Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration visited the settlements, where residents of Dobhi, 15 Mile, and Kullu appealed for higher floodwalls to prevent recurring disasters. He promised to take the request to the Department of Home and seek funds for better protections.
While rains have eased over the past two days, fresh showers are forecast in the coming week. Many Tibetan families from Dobhi and Manali have temporarily shifted to rented accommodations in Patlikul and nearby safer areas. Local Indian authorities and neighbouring communities have stepped in with assistance, providing much-needed relief during the crisis.
