Flashflood hits Himachal's Kinnaur; Kailash yatra suspended; over 400 pilgrims rescued

A cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district triggered severe flashfloods, causing major disruptions along the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra route and prompting authorities to suspend the pilgrimage.

Kinnaur DC said over 400 pilgrims have been rescued after a washed-away bridge at Kangrang Nallah, during Kinner Kailash Yatra. 

Two makeshift bridges on the Tangling route were washed away due to continuous heavy rainfall, leaving several pilgrims stranded.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) rescue team has been deployed to rescue the stranded pilgrims. Kinnaur Kailash, also known as Kinner Kailash, is a sacred mountain revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The yatra attracts many pilgrims annually.

According to the state Meteorological Department, Himachal Pradesh is expected to receive light to moderate rainfall at most places and heavy rainfall in isolated areas till August 11, for which a yellow weather warning has been issued across multiple districts.