Image Source: Hindustan Times
Himachal Pradesh faces another round of monsoon distress as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issues a yellow alert for heavy rain in Chamba and Kangra districts. Severe weather conditions continue to impact the state, with landslides and flash floods isolating communities, damaging vital infrastructure, and disrupting essential services.
Key Highlights
IMD has issued a yellow alert for August 18, 21, 22, and 23 in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, indicating likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, mainly in Chamba and Kangra.
Landslides triggered by intense rainfall have cut off 15 panchayats near Pagal Nala on the Aut-Larji-Sainj road in Kullu, leaving communities stranded and emergency teams struggling to restore connectivity.
More than 355 roads, including critical National Highways, remain blocked statewide, with over 1,000 electricity transformers out of service and 116 water supply schemes disrupted.
Rainfall, Landslides, and Local Impact
The Chandigarh–Manali National Highway and several arterial routes have been rendered impassable due to landslides in Kullu; this has halted routine transport and supply chains.
State Emergency Operation Centre reports that the road situation is particularly dire in Mandi, Kullu, Sirmaur, Kangra, Chamba, and other districts, with blockages exacerbating relief and rescue efforts.
Water and power shortages have hit 41 schemes in Kangra, 44 in Mandi, nine in Kullu, and additional disruption in Shimla, Lahaul and Spiti, Hamirpur, and Solan.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Local administration teams, assisted by police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units, work round-the-clock to clear debris, evacuate at-risk villages, and reconnect the 15 cut-off panchayats in Kullu.
Temporary shelters and medical camps have been set up in the most affected areas to support displaced residents until access can be restored.
The state government has urged residents to avoid travel, especially in high-risk zones and to check for IMD updates before venturing out.
Weather Forecast and Precautionary Measures
While Mandi recorded the highest rainfall in the current spell, the heavy precipitation is forecast to continue, with isolated heavy to very heavy rains expected between August 18 and August 23.
The IMD warns of fog, low visibility, and possible further landslides across Himachal’s northern districts.
Authorities recommend that people in vulnerable areas move to safer locations and secure essential supplies.
Broader Consequences
The persistent closure of key roads, loss of connectivity, and disruption of infrastructure pose major challenges for local governance, healthcare access, and economic activity.
Farmers and rural businesses, particularly those in the isolated panchayats, report serious setbacks with crop damage and inability to access markets.
State officials stress coordinated action and prompt communication as essential to reducing casualties and losses during the continuing monsoon.
Conclusion
Rainfall remains a lifeline for Himachal’s agriculture and forests, but the current wave—marked by IMD’s yellow alerts and landslides—has exposed the region’s fragility. Relief operations are ongoing, and both authorities and citizens will need vigilance as the monsoon maintains its grip over the hill state.
Source: India TV News, CNBC TV18, State Emergency Operation Centre, IMD Press Reports, August 18, 2025
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