Image Source : The Economic Times
Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the impact of relentless monsoon rains, with 339 roads closed across the state, including major stretches in Mandi and Kullu districts. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) and the Meteorological Department have issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall, landslides, and infrastructure disruptions, urging residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution.
Road Closures And District-Wise Breakdown
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Mandi district has reported the highest number of closures with 162 roads blocked due to landslides and flooding
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Kullu follows with 106 roads shut, including National Highway 305 (Aut to Sainj), a key connector for local and tourist traffic
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Other affected districts include Sirmaur (22 roads), Kangra (21), Una (9), Shimla and Chamba (6 each), Bilaspur (3), Kinnaur (2), and one each in Solan and Lahaul-Spiti
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The Mandi–Manali Highway and Aut–Largi–Sainj road remain impassable, cutting off access to several villages and tourist destinations
Rainfall Intensity And Weather Alerts
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The Meteorological Department has issued an orange warning for heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Shimla, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur
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Thunderstorms and wind speeds between 37–54 kmph have been reported in Kukumseri, Seobagh, and Bajaura
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Precipitation levels have surged in key locations: Nadaun (58.6 mm), Joggindernagar (45 mm), Nagrota Suriyan (39.2 mm), Kangra (35.7 mm), and Naina Devi (34.8 mm)
Infrastructure Damage And Emergency Response
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A total of 172 power transformers and 133 water supply schemes have been disrupted across the state
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The SEOC has confirmed that since the onset of monsoon on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed 75 flash floods, 39 cloudbursts, and 74 major landslides
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Estimated losses from rain-related incidents have crossed Rs 2,326 crore, with 151 fatalities and 37 people reported missing
Tourism And Local Impact
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The closures have severely impacted tourism in the region, with travel advisories issued for popular destinations like Manali, Kasol, and Shimla
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Local residents in Lag Valley, Kullu, have reported damage to shops, fields, and bridges following a cloudburst near Bhuhu Nallah
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Overflowing rivers such as Sarwari have destroyed footbridges and road segments, isolating communities and disrupting daily life
Government Measures And Public Advisory
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Rescue teams and disaster response units have been deployed in high-risk zones, with priority given to restoring connectivity and essential services
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The Bhakra Beas Management Board has announced phased water releases from Pong Dam to manage rising reservoir levels
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Citizens are advised to avoid travel in affected districts, monitor official updates, and report emergencies to local authorities
Conclusion
Himachal Pradesh faces a critical monsoon phase with widespread road closures, infrastructure damage, and heightened risk of natural disasters. As authorities work to restore access and ensure safety, the situation underscores the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and proactive disaster management in the hill state. With rainfall expected to continue, vigilance and preparedness remain key to minimizing further loss.
Sources: Moneycontrol, The Tribune India, ABP Live.
Sources: Moneycontrol, The Tribune India, ABP Live.Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the impact of relentless monsoon rains, with 339 roads closed across the state, including major stretches in Mandi and Kullu districts. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) and the Meteorological Department have issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall, landslides, and infrastructure disruptions, urging residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution.
Road Closures And District-Wise Breakdown
- Mandi district has reported the highest number of closures with 162 roads blocked due to landslides and flooding
- Kullu follows with 106 roads shut, including National Highway 305 (Aut to Sainj), a key connector for local and tourist traffic
- Other affected districts include Sirmaur (22 roads), Kangra (21), Una (9), Shimla and Chamba (6 each), Bilaspur (3), Kinnaur (2), and one each in Solan and Lahaul-Spiti
- The Mandi–Manali Highway and Aut–Largi–Sainj road remain impassable, cutting off access to several villages and tourist destinations
Rainfall Intensity And Weather Alerts
- The Meteorological Department has issued an orange warning for heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Shimla, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur
- Thunderstorms and wind speeds between 37–54 kmph have been reported in Kukumseri, Seobagh, and Bajaura
- Precipitation levels have surged in key locations: Nadaun (58.6 mm), Joggindernagar (45 mm), Nagrota Suriyan (39.2 mm), Kangra (35.7 mm), and Naina Devi (34.8 mm)
Infrastructure Damage And Emergency Response
- A total of 172 power transformers and 133 water supply schemes have been disrupted across the state
- The SEOC has confirmed that since the onset of monsoon on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed 75 flash floods, 39 cloudbursts, and 74 major landslides
- Estimated losses from rain-related incidents have crossed Rs 2,326 crore, with 151 fatalities and 37 people reported missing
Tourism And Local Impact
- The closures have severely impacted tourism in the region, with travel advisories issued for popular destinations like Manali, Kasol, and Shimla
- Local residents in Lag Valley, Kullu, have reported damage to shops, fields, and bridges following a cloudburst near Bhuhu Nallah
- Overflowing rivers such as Sarwari have destroyed footbridges and road segments, isolating communities and disrupting daily life
Government Measures And Public Advisory
- Rescue teams and disaster response units have been deployed in high-risk zones, with priority given to restoring connectivity and essential services
- The Bhakra Beas Management Board has announced phased water releases from Pong Dam to manage rising reservoir levels
- Citizens are advised to avoid travel in affected districts, monitor official updates, and report emergencies to local authorities
Conclusion
Himachal Pradesh faces a critical monsoon phase with widespread road closures, infrastructure damage, and heightened risk of natural disasters. As authorities work to restore access and ensure safety, the situation underscores the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and proactive disaster management in the hill state. With rainfall expected to continue, vigilance and preparedness remain key to minimizing further loss.
Sources: Moneycontrol, The Tribune India, ABP Live.
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