logo
5 killed, many missing as cloudbursts, flash floods hit India's Himachal Pradesh

5 killed, many missing as cloudbursts, flash floods hit India's Himachal Pradesh

The Star13 hours ago

NEW DELHI, June 26 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and many others missing after cloudbursts and flash floods hit the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, officials said Thursday.
The state experienced heavy monsoon rainfall in the past 24 hours that led to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, thus severely affecting normal life.
Reports said several laborers residing in temporary sheds near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydro Power Project were swept away by floodwaters on Wednesday evening.
Shortly after the accident, the local government sent rescuers to the scene.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

5 killed, many missing as cloudbursts, flash floods hit India's Himachal Pradesh
5 killed, many missing as cloudbursts, flash floods hit India's Himachal Pradesh

The Star

time13 hours ago

  • The Star

5 killed, many missing as cloudbursts, flash floods hit India's Himachal Pradesh

NEW DELHI, June 26 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and many others missing after cloudbursts and flash floods hit the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, officials said Thursday. The state experienced heavy monsoon rainfall in the past 24 hours that led to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, thus severely affecting normal life. Reports said several laborers residing in temporary sheds near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydro Power Project were swept away by floodwaters on Wednesday evening. Shortly after the accident, the local government sent rescuers to the scene.

Serbia issues red alert as heatwave pushes temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius
Serbia issues red alert as heatwave pushes temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius

The Star

time14 hours ago

  • The Star

Serbia issues red alert as heatwave pushes temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius

BELGRADE, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Serbia is under a red-level weather alert as an extreme heatwave grips the country, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in several eastern cities, the national weather service said on Thursday. The Republic Hydrometeorological Institute (RHMZ) reported the highest temperatures in Cuprija and Zajecar, both reaching 40 degrees Celsius. Other cities, including Kikinda, Negotin and Leskovac, recorded highs of 39 degrees, while the capital of Belgrade hit 38 degrees by mid-afternoon. The red alert, the highest on Serbia's four-level warning scale, was issued across most of the country, signaling dangerous conditions. The institute said current temperatures were well above seasonal averages and urged residents to take precautions. Relief is expected on Friday, with temperatures forecast to drop by 5 to 8 degrees Celsius, accompanied by moderate to strong winds and scattered thunderstorms in northern, eastern, and mountainous regions. Compounding the extreme heat, much of Serbia is experiencing severe drought. Persistently low rainfall has led to soil moisture deficits that threaten crops, particularly during sensitive growth stages. Water levels on the Danube, Sava, and Tisa rivers are expected to fall below navigational minimums, while flows on several tributaries are approaching biological minimums. Health authorities have advised the public to stay hydrated, eat water-rich foods, and avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours.

Three dead and a dozen missing as torrential rains cause flash flood in north India
Three dead and a dozen missing as torrential rains cause flash flood in north India

The Star

time15 hours ago

  • The Star

Three dead and a dozen missing as torrential rains cause flash flood in north India

India is likely to see above-average monsoon rains for the second straight year in 2025. - Photo: AFP NEW DELHI: Three people died and at least a dozen are feared missing after being swept away in a flash flood triggered by torrential rains in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, local authorities said on Thursday (June 26). A rescue operation has been launched to trace the missing, said Dinesh Sharma, a local government spokesperson in Kangra. The town is about 18 kilometres (11 miles) from Dharamshala, a popular tourist destination known for its Tibetan culture and as the home of Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama. Sudhir Sharma, a lawmaker from Dharamshala, said in a social media post that at least 15 to 20 workers resting in a temporary shed near the site of a hydroelectricity power project were swept away after water levels at a local reservoir rose suddenly late Wednesday. In a status report issued Thursday, the state government confirmed at least eight people were missing in Kangra and three in nearby Kullu. The authorities have evacuated around 50 stranded tourists to safer places in the state. The state government confirmed three people died, but did not provide details. Flash floods and cloudbursts are common in India's mountain states such as Himachal Pradesh during the monsoon season. Deforestation to make way for infrastructure development and expansion of hydel power projects has often led to calls by critics for environmental accountability and disaster preparedness in such states. - AP

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store