Heavy rains over the past two days have caused widespread havoc in Himachal Pradesh, leading to the closure of more than 280 roads and triggering landslides and flash floods. As of Saturday, 150 roads remained closed, according to officials. The relentless downpour has resulted in overflowing streams inundating several houses in Una. Meanwhile, the Lahaul and Spiti police have issued a stern warning to residents and travelers to exercise extreme caution, urging them to avoid crossing the Jahalman Nallah due to its rapidly rising water levels.
Rescue operations are ongoing to locate approximately 30 people who went missing after devastating flash floods struck the Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts on July 31st. Despite extensive search efforts, no significant breakthroughs have been achieved thus far. The grim toll of the recent rain-related incidents has reached over 100 fatalities, with authorities reporting the recovery of 28 bodies. The state has also suffered substantial economic losses, estimated at ₹842 crore between June 27th and August 9th.
The impact of the incessant rainfall is evident across the state. A total of 288 roads have been closed, with 138 closures reported on Friday and 150 on Saturday. Mandi has been the worst-hit district with 96 road closures, followed by Shimla with 76, Kullu with 37, Sirmaur with 33, Chamba with 26, Lahaul and Spiti with seven, Hamirpur with five, and four each in Kangra and Kinnaur. The flash floods between Pooh and Kaurik and a landslide on the National Highway 5 near Negulsariin have severed Kinnaur’s connection to the state capital, Shimla.
The heavy rains have also disrupted essential services. Officials have confirmed that 458 power supply schemes and 48 water supply schemes are currently affected in the state. In anticipation of continued rainfall, the regional meteorological office issued an ‘orange’ alert on Sunday, warning of heavy rainfall at isolated locations in ten districts: Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, and Una. The alert emphasized the likelihood of thunderstorms and lightning accompanying the rainfall.
The MeT office also issued a warning of low to moderate flash flood risks in specific areas of Chamba, Hamirpur, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Shimla districts. The forecasted strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas pose a potential threat to plantations, crops, vulnerable structures, and ‘kutcha’ houses. The ongoing monsoon season, which commenced on June 1st, has witnessed a significant rainfall deficit in Himachal Pradesh. As of August 10th, the state has received 328.8 mm of rain, compared to the average of 455.5 mm, representing a deficit of 28 percent.
