Flashfloods damage roads, bridges in Lahaul-Spiti district

Flashfloods damaged roads, bridges, farms, irrigation systems and drinking water supply schemes in several parts of Lahaul and Spiti district over the past two days. Many villages were badly affected and residents were facing serious problems, especially related to transportation and farming.

According to area residents, flashfloods damaged an irrigation system and posed a threat to a road bridge in Shansha village. Flashfloods in Karpat Nala in the Miyar valley of the district on Saturday evening washed away a road bridge, leaving residents without transportation facilities. The people of the area are struggling to travel or move goods.

Flashfloods in Dared Nala on the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi road in Udaipur subdivision damaged a road bridge and brought traffic to a complete halt. In Yangla village, flashfloods in Guldhar Nala caused significant damage to agricultural land and cash crops, causing big losses to local farmers.

Two days ago, flashfloods in Kakti Nala caused major damage to drinking water and irrigation supply systems, affecting many farmers.

Today, Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana along with a district administration team visited flood-affected areas. She inspected the damage caused and instructed the Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Shakti Department and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to take quick action.

The MLA said that the district administration had been asked to assess losses and provide necessary relief to the affected farmers and families. She assured local people that steps would be taken to restore roads, water supply and other essential services as soon as possible.

“District administration officials are surveying the affected areas and preparing reports on damage caused. The relief and restoration work has already started in some locations. People have been advised to stay alert as weather conditions are still uncertain and there is a risk of more flashfloods,” she added.