Shimla, August 1 (HS): Continuous heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has thrown normal life out of gear. Ongoing rains and landslides have forced the closure of three national highways and 315 roads across the state. Taking precautions for student safety, the district administration in Chamba has ordered the closure of all educational institutions for today. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for several districts in the state until August 5, warning of heavy rain.
Chamba, Mandi, and Kullu Worst Affected
Chamba, Mandi, and Kullu districts have witnessed the most severe impact of the rains since last night. In Chamba’s Bhattiyat region of Chuari, 118 mm of rainfall was recorded, followed by 52 mm in Banjar (Kullu), 45 mm in Bharari, 43 mm in Murari Devi, and 40 mm in Kothi. Several areas, including the state capital Shimla, have been experiencing heavy showers since morning.
Landslides Block Major Roads; Yellow Alert Issued in Five Districts
The weather department has issued a yellow alert for Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts. In Mandi, a landslide near Pandoh Dam on the Chandigarh–Manali National Highway has blocked the road entirely. Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma confirmed that the administration is on-site, and clearing operations are underway to restore traffic.
Larji Dam to Release Excess Water; Public Advised to Stay Away from Riverbanks
Due to increased water flow and silt in the Beas River, Larji Dam will release an additional 175 cusecs of water. Authorities have warned residents and tourists through sirens and public address systems to stay away from riverbanks.
Power and Water Supply Hit in Several Areas
The downpour has also disrupted electricity and water supply across the state. As of Friday morning, Mandi reported 174 blocked roads, one national highway closure, 76 non-functional transformers, and 58 disrupted drinking water schemes. In Kullu, one national highway, 76 roads, and 121 transformers have been affected. In Chamba, 18 roads, 142 transformers, and 62 water supply schemes have suffered damages. In Kangra, 134 water supply schemes have been impacted.
Monsoon Toll: 173 Dead, Over ₹1,648 Crore in Damages
Since the beginning of the monsoon on June 20, rain, landslides, and floods have claimed 173 lives in Himachal Pradesh, with 281 injured and 36 still missing. Mandi has reported the highest number of deaths at 35, followed by Kangra (26), Kullu (18), Chamba (17), Shimla (14), Solan (12), Hamirpur, Kinnaur, and Una (11 each), Bilaspur (8), Lahaul-Spiti (6), and Sirmaur (4).
So far, the state has witnessed 27 cloudbursts, 44 flash floods, and 40 landslides. A total of 1,472 homes have been damaged—437 of them completely destroyed. Mandi alone reported 1,058 damaged houses, including 382 that have fully collapsed.
The monsoon has caused losses exceeding ₹1,648 crore, with the Public Works Department suffering ₹847 crore in damages and the Jal Shakti Department incurring losses of ₹556 crore.
July Rainfall Above Normal in Most Districts
July recorded above-normal rainfall in several districts: 71% higher in Shimla, 58% in Mandi, 25% in Kullu, 15% in Hamirpur, 13% in Solan, 11% in Bilaspur, and 5% in Sirmaur. However, Lahaul-Spiti, Solan, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Kangra witnessed below-average rainfall.
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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