Shimla, 26 August (Kiran News). Monsoon fury continues unabated in Himachal Pradesh, with heavy rainfall throwing normal life out of gear. The tourist town of Manali has witnessed the worst devastation, as the swollen Beas River swept away the Sher-e-Punjab restaurant and three to four shops in Bahang market. Fortunately, there were no casualties, as authorities had evacuated the premises last night after sensing the danger.
Manali DSP Kshama Dutt Sharma informed that despite timely evacuation, property losses amounting to lakhs have been reported. Continuous heavy rainfall has severely affected life in Manali, causing widespread disruption in several areas. The National Highway between Manali and Kullu has been damaged near Dhankar, affecting vehicular movement. At present, vehicles are being diverted via the left bank near Raison to reach Manali. Many parts of Manali have suffered extensive damage. Flooding in the Manalsu stream has also disrupted the city’s water supply. The administration has stated that restoration work will begin only after the water level recedes and has appealed to residents to use water carefully.
Destruction has also been reported in Mandi district, where the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway is blocked at several points. Landslides between Pandoh and Aut have brought traffic to a standstill. Hundreds of people have taken shelter in four-lane tunnels near Hanogi, where temple committees, local authorities, and volunteers are providing food and water to those stranded. In Mandi’s Balichowki area, two more houses have collapsed. Around 35 homes in Lach and Bata villages are at risk, and many houses have developed cracks.
Continuous heavy rainfall across the state has forced the closure of schools. On Tuesday, all educational institutions and anganwadi centres in nine districts—Shimla, Kangra, Chamba, Una, Mandi, Kullu, Solan, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur—remained closed. Schools were also shut in the Lahaul and Udaipur sub-divisions of Lahaul-Spiti district.
In Kangra, the water level in the Pong Dam has reached just one foot below the danger mark, recorded at 1388.65 feet last night. Outflow from the dam is being gradually increased to 75,000 cusecs. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from rivers and streams.
Meanwhile, the Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chamba and Kangra districts today. Orange alerts are in place for Kullu and Mandi, while yellow alerts have been issued for Una, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur. The weather department has stated that rainfall is likely to continue across the state till 31 August.
The rain has caused widespread damage throughout the state. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, hundreds of roads remain closed: 288 in Mandi, 214 in Chamba, 131 in Kullu, and 41 in Sirmaur. Power supply and drinking water schemes have also been badly affected, with many transformers and water supply projects out of operation.
So far this monsoon season, 306 people have lost their lives, 37 are missing, and 360 have been injured. A total of 3,186 houses have been damaged, out of which 693 have completely collapsed. In Mandi alone, 1,500 houses have been affected. Additionally, 470 shops and 2,819 cattle sheds have also been destroyed.
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