Heavy Rains Disrupt Life Across Himachal; Flood-Like Situation in Una, Schools Closed

Shimla, August 2 (H.S.) — Continuous heavy rainfall since Friday night has severely impacted normal life in Himachal Pradesh. Una district is facing flood-like conditions as the Swan River is in spate. Rainwater has entered homes and shops at several locations in Una city, and roads have been closed due to waterlogging. In view of the situation, the district administration has declared a holiday for all government and private schools, colleges, ITIs, training centres, and Anganwadi centres in Una on August 2. Authorities have urged people to stay indoors and remain alert.

Pong Dam Water Level Rises, Teams on High Alert

In Kangra district, the water level of the Pong Dam has reached 1,365 feet. Authorities may release water at any time, and residents of Indora and Punjab’s Hoshiarpur region have been warned to stay alert. Rescue teams, volunteers, local youth groups, fishermen, and divers with boats have been put on standby.

Manali-Kelang and Rohtang Roads Blocked

In the upper areas of tourist hub Manali in Kullu district, continuous rainfall has disrupted vehicular movement. The Manali-Kelang road near the Atal Tunnel is blocked, as is the Manali-Rohtang-Kelang route near Banta Mod due to a landslide. Efforts are underway to restore these routes.

Flash Flood in Kullu, Malana Project’s Cofferdam Breached

Sudden floods in the Parvati Valley of Kullu on Friday evening partially breached the cofferdam of the Malana-1 hydropower project. A hydra machine, dumper, rock breaker, and a camper vehicle were washed away. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. Rising water levels in the Parvati River and damage to temporary bridges and roads have heightened the risk in surrounding areas. Residents have been advised to stay away from rivers, streams, and landslide-prone zones.

Flash Floods in Lahaul-Spiti, Roads Closed

A flash flood near the GREF camp in Jispa, Lahaul-Spiti district, has completely blocked the Keylong-Darcha-Sarchu-Leh road. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working to restore connectivity. No casualties have been reported, but fear has gripped the local population.

Widespread Rain Continues; Yellow Alert Issued

Rain continues to lash Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Hamirpur, and Mandi districts. The weather department has issued a yellow alert for several districts till August 5. Heavy rainfall is expected in Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur on August 2; in Chamba, Kangra, and Sirmaur on August 3; in all districts except Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur on August 4; and in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Shimla, and Sirmaur on August 5.

Roads, Power, and Water Supply Affected

As of Friday evening, 283 roads were blocked across the state, including one national highway each in Mandi and Lahaul-Spiti. Additionally, 314 electricity transformers and 221 drinking water schemes were non-functional, causing widespread inconvenience.

176 Deaths and 36 Missing This Monsoon

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, since June 20, monsoon-related incidents such as rain, landslides, and floods have claimed 176 lives, injured 281 people, and left 36 missing. Mandi district reported the highest fatalities (35), followed by Kangra (28), Kullu (18), Chamba (17), Shimla (15), Solan (12), Hamirpur, Kinnaur, and Una (11 each), Bilaspur (8), Lahaul-Spiti (6), and Sirmaur (4).

Cloudbursts, Flash Floods, and Landslides Wreak Havoc

So far, Himachal has witnessed 28 cloudbursts, 47 flash floods, and 42 major landslides this monsoon. A total of 1,526 houses have been damaged, of which 443 have collapsed completely. Mandi district faced the brunt, with 1,073 houses affected and 386 completely destroyed. The state has suffered an estimated loss of ₹1,678 crore due to monsoon damages.

Authorities have appealed to the public to remain safe and follow official advisories.