Shimla, July 30— Torrential overnight rainfall has severely disrupted normal life across Himachal Pradesh, with major impact reported in Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts. The downpour has led to widespread damage to roads, electricity, and water supply systems across the state. A total of 343 roads remain closed, along with 551 power transformers and 186 water schemes shut down.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain in most parts of the state today. A yellow alert has also been issued for selected regions from July 31 to August 5, warning of continued heavy rainfall.
Chamba Hit Hardest by Rain and Power Outages
As per IMD reports, Chamba’s Bhattiyat recorded the highest rainfall at 182 mm, followed by Palampur with 157 mm, Kangra 115 mm, Jot 85 mm, Nadaun 76 mm, Pandoh 63 mm, and Dehra Gopipur 53 mm. Chamba district has witnessed the most severe impact, with power transformers damaged at multiple locations, plunging many areas into darkness. Alone in Chamba, 279 transformers have gone offline, and 80 drinking water schemes have been affected.
In Kullu, 111 transformers have stopped functioning, and in Mandi, the number stands at 155. Across the state, a total of 551 power transformers and 186 water supply schemes have been disrupted due to the incessant rain.
Landslides Close Hundreds of Roads, NDRF on Alert
The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) reported that by Wednesday morning, 357 roads had been closed due to landslides and flooding. Mandi district has been the worst hit with 217 roads blocked, followed by Chamba with 53 and Kullu with 47. Public Works Department (PWD) teams are engaged in restoration work, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) remains on alert.
In Kullu and Manali, continuous rain has caused rivers and streams to swell. Authorities have urged people to stay away from water bodies. In Mandi, the district administration has issued an alert regarding the release of excess water from the Pandoh Dam and requested the public, tourists, and workers to maintain a safe distance from the Beas River.
Kinner Kailash Yatra Suspended Due to Weather
Intermittent rain continues in the tribal district of Kinnaur. Due to poor weather and unsafe routes, the ongoing Kinner Kailash Yatra has been temporarily suspended. The pilgrimage will resume only when weather conditions improve and the route is declared safe.
Monsoon Havoc So Far: 170 Lives Lost
According to the SEOC’s daily report, since June 20, monsoon-related incidents including rain, landslides, and floods have claimed 170 lives across Himachal Pradesh. Another 278 people have been injured, and 36 are missing. Mandi has reported the highest number of fatalities at 35, with 27 people still missing. Kangra recorded 25 deaths, followed by 17 each in Kullu and Chamba, 14 in Shimla, and 11 each in Hamirpur, Kinnaur, Solan, and Una. Bilaspur recorded 8 deaths, Lahaul-Spiti 6, and Sirmaur 4.
Of the 170 deaths, 103 were caused by natural disasters: 34 from landslides, 43 from flash floods, and 26 due to cloudbursts. So far, the state has witnessed 43 flash floods, 26 cloudburst incidents, and 34 landslides. Road accidents have claimed an additional 76 lives.
Over 1,500 Crores in Damages Recorded
Rain and landslides have damaged 1,352 houses, of which 469 have completely collapsed. Mandi alone reported damage to 986 homes, including 376 that were fully destroyed. Additionally, around 21,500 poultry birds and 1,402 livestock animals have died.
The total financial loss from monsoon-related disasters in the state has crossed ₹1,538 crore. The Public Works Department has suffered losses worth ₹780 crore, and the Jal Shakti Department ₹513 crore.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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