Landslides and flash floods triggered by relentless rains have led to the closure of 197 roads, including two national highways, across Himachal Pradesh. Read more for updates on the ongoing rescue efforts and the impact on the region.
Heavy Rains Cause Widespread Disruptions in Himachal Pradesh: 197 Roads, Including 2 National Highways, Shut Down
SHIMLA: In the wake of persistent heavy rains, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed severe disruptions, with 197 roads, including two key national highways, now closed due to landslides and flash floods. The unrelenting downpour over the past week has wreaked havoc across several districts in the state, officials reported on Monday.
Flash Floods and Landslides Hit Multiple Districts
Areas such as Chamba, Mandi, Kinnaur, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan have been particularly hard-hit, with numerous instances of flash floods and landslides being reported. Una district faced significant waterlogging, adding to the challenges posed by the extreme weather.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri personally visited the flood-affected areas in Haroli, located in his home constituency of Una. The region has seen considerable damage, with three young girls tragically swept away by the floods on Sunday. Additionally, several industrial units and essential utilities have suffered extensive losses.
Infrastructure Damage and Ongoing Rescue Operations
The sudden surge in water levels in the Hum Khud (nullah) has caused significant damage to homes, factories, roads, and crucial power and water supply lines. Agnihotri assured the public that repair efforts are currently in full swing.
According to state officials, 110 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, with the state incurring an estimated Rs 1,004 crore in damages between June 27 and August 12.
The State Emergency Operation Centre provided further details, indicating that 66 roads in Shimla, 58 in Sirmaur, 33 in Mandi, 26 in Kullu, 5 each in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, and 4 in Kangra remain closed. Additionally, 221 power and 143 water supply schemes were disrupted as of Monday.
Weather Alerts and Continuing Risk
The regional meteorological office has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for isolated heavy rains in parts of the state, effective through Saturday. There is also a warning of a low to moderate risk of flash floods in sections of Chamba, Kinnaur, Sirmaur, and Shimla districts until Tuesday.
Rainfall measurements since Sunday evening have been notable, with Nagal dam recording 115 mm, Kasauli receiving 87 mm, Una reporting 56 mm, and Naina Devi measuring 82.2 mm. Other significant readings include 79 mm in Olinda, 75.4 mm at Jatton barrage, 72.5 mm in Nadaun, 62 mm in Paonta Sahib, 60.6 mm in Sujanpur Tira, and 56.5 mm in Dhaulakuan.
Rescue teams are still searching for around 30 individuals who went missing following the flash floods that struck Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla on July 31. Despite ongoing efforts, there has been no major success in locating the missing individuals, although 28 bodies have been recovered so far.
As the state battles these adverse conditions, Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti emerged as the coldest area, recording a night temperature of 11.3 degrees Celsius, while Hamirpur was the hottest, with a maximum temperature of 33.6 degrees Celsius.