American vlogger stranded in Himachal landslides

The heavenly scenic beauty of Himachal Pradesh attracts tourists from across the globe, but during the monsoon season, nature’s fury can turn this paradise into a danger zone, as we saw in the last few days. In the recent flash flood incident, an American vlogger stranded in Himachal landslides; Drew Binsky, found himself caught in the middle of relentless rains, road blockages, and falling rocks. His real-time Instagram video has gone viral, shedding light on the harsh reality of travelling to the Himalayas during peak monsoon.

Heavy Rains Paralyse Himachal Pradesh

Over the past few days, massive rainfall has escalated into severe weather events in Himachal Pradesh. The region has been battling multiple landslides, flash floods, and road blockages. As of Saturday, nearly 400 roads, including one national highway, remain closed. Districts like Mandi and Kullu are among the hardest-hit, with hundreds of roads shut and power lines damaged.

Key facts:

240 roads blocked in Mandi district alone.
99 roads closed in Kullu, including the NH-305 due to a massive landslide.
Over 704 electricity transformers and 178 water supply schemes have been disrupted.

The local meteorological department has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall over the weekend and an orange alert for extremely heavy rain from Monday to Thursday.

Drew Binsky’s Firsthand Account

Drew Binsky, a popular American content creator who travels the world sharing cultural and adventure stories, was exploring Himachal Pradesh when the disaster struck. Posting from the middle of a landslide-hit stretch, he described the situation as “absolutely insane and really dangerous.” (Check the post link here)

In his Instagram video, Drew said:

“I am in Himachal Pradesh, India, and I am stuck in all these landslides. Look at my feet. Look at the river. It is rainy season right now. It is super dangerous. All the cars are blocked. We do not know how many days we are going to be stuck here. And you can just see the rocks are still falling right now. All the workers are here trying to fix it. We are basically stuck in no man’s land for an unknown amount of time.”

Drew Binsky An American Vlogger Stranded in Himachal Landslides

He also revealed in his caption that “there are actually 20 landslides within 10 miles of us right now”, highlighting the scale of destruction.

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SM Reaction after the American Vlogger Stranded in Himachal Landslides

The video has already garnered over 4.5 lakh views, sparking a flood of comments from concerned followers and locals.

Some viewers expressed worry:

In his Instagram video, Drew said:

“I hope you and everyone there find a safe route soon.”

“Himachal’s beauty can turn deadly in seconds during the monsoon.”

Others offered practical advice:

“Avoid mountain areas during monsoon.”

“Stay close to villages; people there are very supportive.”

A few questioned his travel timing:

“Why monsoon time? Not the best place to be around now.”

This mix of concern, criticism, and admiration shows how social media plays a crucial role in spreading both awareness and caution.

Check Instead: Top 12 Safe Monsoon Destinations in India

The Grim Reality on the Ground

While the story of an American travel vlogger stranded in Himachal landslides is gaining attention, it’s just one among many similar situations faced by tourists and locals. The state has recorded several flash floods and cloudburst-like situations, and 51 major landslides since the onset of the monsoon on June 20.

The human toll so far:

208 deaths this monsoon season.
112 lives lost in rain-related incidents like landslides and house collapses.
96 deaths in road accidents linked to weather conditions.

Mandi is still one of the epicentres, but the source specifically lists Manali, Kullu, Shimla, Kufri, Mandi, Kinnaur as worst-hit in Himachal. The devastation also includes Kinnaur Kailash Yatra suspension, 1 death, and 1,196 pilgrims rescued.

Financial losses have been staggering too, with damages estimated at ₹1,988 crore.

Why Himachal is Risky During Monsoon

The Himalayan terrain, combined with intense rainfall, makes Himachal Pradesh particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. Landslides occur when heavy rain loosens the soil and rocks on steep slopes, leading to sudden collapses that block roads, damage property, and sometimes claim lives.

Common monsoon-related risks in Himachal:

Road blockages cutting off entire towns.
Flash floods washing away vehicles and structures.
Cloudbursts causing sudden, intense flooding.
Falling rocks posing constant danger to travellers.

The state government and disaster management teams work tirelessly to restore connectivity, but continuous rain makes the process slow and risky.

Lessons for Future Travellers

Drew Binsky’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for those planning trips to the Himalayas during monsoon. While adventure travel is appealing, safety should always be the top priority.

If you’re considering visiting Himachal Pradesh, keep these points in mind:

Avoid travel during monsoon (late June to early September).
Check weather forecasts and road conditions before departure.
Stay in touch with local authorities for updates.
Carry essential supplies like food, water, and medicines in case of blockages.
Respect local warnings and advisories — they are issued for your safety.

Himachal’s Beauty and Danger Go Hand in Hand

Himachal Pradesh is famous for destinations like Manali, Kullu, Shimla, and Dharamshala, attracting millions of tourists annually. However, the same landscapes that offer stunning views also carry high risks during extreme weather.

As Drew’s viral post shows, even experienced travellers can find themselves in life-threatening situations. His story is a reminder that while social media captures the adventure, it also reveals the unpredictable nature of the mountains.

Final Remarks

The incident involving the American travel vlogger stranded in Himachal landslides is more than just a trending topic—it’s a wake-up call. It highlights the urgent need for better awareness about safe travel seasons, improved disaster preparedness, and responsible tourism.

For now, Drew Binsky and many others remain at the mercy of nature and the relentless monsoon rains. Their ordeal is a stark reminder that in the mountains, respect for nature is not just wise—it’s essential.

Related Sources: NDTV, India Today