Flash floods in the Ravi River have caused massive destruction in Bada Bhangal, a remote tribal village in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. All government buildings in the village have been swept away, leaving residents cut off and without essential supplies. Thankfully, no loss of life has been reported so far.
"A primary and high school, the panchayat ghar, an ayurvedic dispensary and a civil supplies store that housed about 70 quintals of ration were washed away in lower Bada Bangal on Tuesday. The village has been cut off from the rest of the state as two bridges were also swept away," Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Baijnath Sankalp Gautam said on Thursday. The Baijnath SDM added that communication with the village has been very difficult.
"Houses along the banks of River Ravi in lower Bada Bangal were vacated as a precautionary measure. About 180 quintals of ration is en route to the village but the roads are blocked. Essential items and medicines would be air-dropped if the need arises," the SDM said.
Bada Bhangal lies at 7,800 feet in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges and is considered one of the most remote villages in Himachal. It can only be reached on foot through the high-altitude Thamsar Pass (4,700 m) and Kalihani Pass (4,800 m). Both routes are now blocked, leaving the village fully isolated. Every year, Bada Bhangal remains cut off for four to six months in winter due to heavy snow.
Mansa Ram Bhangalia, the local sarpanch, said “More than 300 residents are stranded in the village, while at least 150 shepherds and hundreds of goats, sheep and cattle are marooned on high pastures.”
He warned that several houses along the riverbanks were at risk of collapse because floodwaters have eroded land across a 5-km stretch.
The destroyed government buildings also carried vital stocks of food and medicines. “With these supplies gone, the situation is becoming serious. An aerial survey and immediate relief are urgently needed,” he added.
Bada Bhangal, home to the Gaddi community of nomadic shepherds, is known for its traditional mountain lifestyle. Every summer, the community takes its livestock to graze on high-altitude pastures. Today, their way of life faces new threats—from climate change, poor infrastructure, and now, extreme weather events like this devastating flood.
Also Read: Bridge, shops washed away in Himachal flash floods
Follow us
