Shimla, 25 August (Kiran News): Heavy monsoon rains have created chaos in Himachal Pradesh. Rivers and streams are overflowing, and landslides have blocked roads in many areas. Continuous rainfall has severely affected daily life. Due to heavy rainfall, all educational institutions and Anganwadi centres have been closed today in eight districts: Kangra, Chamba, Una, Mandi, Kullu, Solan, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur, for the safety of children. In addition, all educational institutions remain closed today in Lahaul and Udaipur subdivisions of the tribal district Lahaul-Spiti. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in several districts of the state today. The administration has strictly advised people to exercise caution, stay away from landslide-prone areas, and not go near rivers and streams.
Kangra District Worst Affected
Conditions are most severe in Kangra district. Continuous rainfall has left the Indora area submerged, including markets and government offices. Streams and drains are overflowing in several areas, including Nurpur and Fatehpur. The vegetable market in Jasur is flooded, causing significant difficulties for shopkeepers and residents. Water has entered shops and homes, resulting in major losses. Landslides and rockfalls in the Nurpur assembly area have blocked several roads. The Suliali-Dunera road was closed due to a massive landslide and restored after much effort by the authorities. Nurpur Court Road remains closed due to a landslide, posing a risk to electric poles. Continuous rainfall and inadequate drainage arrangements during four-lane road construction have led to waterlogging on several roads. Streams and drains are flowing at dangerous levels near bridges, making the situation extremely risky. The administration has urged residents to stay safe at home during heavy rain and avoid unnecessary risks.
Widespread Destruction in Chamba District
Heavy rains have also wreaked havoc in Chamba district. Since yesterday, continuous rainfall has badly affected life. Around 82 main roads, including the Pathankot-Bharmour National Highway, have been blocked for traffic. Nearly 410 power transformers are down and 40 drinking water schemes have been disrupted, causing serious inconvenience to people. In Dalhousie tehsil, a cloudburst in the Karenlu drain swept away three vehicles and damaged a community building. Considering the bad weather, the district administration has temporarily suspended the holy Manimahesh Yatra. Bharmour ADM Kulbir Rana has appealed to devotees to stay in safe places and not to take risks.
Monsoon Toll: 303 Dead, 37 Missing
According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, so far this monsoon season, 303 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, while 37 people are still missing. The highest number of casualties has been reported from Mandi district, where 51 people have died. Rain continues to wreak havoc in many parts of the state, and the administration is actively engaged in relief and rescue operations.
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