Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Havoc: 157 Dead, 260 Roads Shut As Landslides Wreak Havoc

Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under severe monsoon conditions, with 259 roads blocked across the state and 157 people reported dead in rain-related incidents and road accidents, according to the latest State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) report.

The report, covering the period from June 30 to August 9, said 68 people lost their lives in landslides and flash floods, while another 89 died in road accidents. As many as 257 people are also reported missing.

The monsoon has damaged nearly 900 properties and public infrastructure facilities, with the estimated losses reaching around Rs 886 crore. The situation remains precarious as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in five districts.

Kullu, Mandi Among Worst-Hit Areas

Landslides and landslips have disrupted road connectivity across the state, leaving 259 roads closed. The key Mandi-Kullu highway is also among the affected routes.

Mandi has recorded the highest number of blocked roads at 120, followed by Chamba with 42, Kullu with 40 and Shimla with 30.

Authorities are working to restore connectivity, but repeated spells of heavy rain and fresh landslides are slowing repair and clearance operations across the mountainous terrain.

Power infrastructure has also suffered extensive damage. Around 161 distribution transformers have remained non-functional for more than a week, with Mandi accounting for 77 affected transformers. Shimla has reported 43, while Kullu has 40.

Water Supply Disrupted

The relentless rainfall has also affected drinking water infrastructure. Official data shows that 54 water supply schemes have been disrupted across Himachal Pradesh.

Shimla accounts for the highest number of affected schemes at 33, followed by Chamba with 16 and Hamirpur with five.

Meanwhile, rising water levels in rivers and streams have added to the danger, particularly in Kullu. Visuals from the district have shown debris cascading down mountain slopes and flash floods sweeping away vehicles and temporary bridges.

Uttarakhand Also Hit By Monsoon Fury

The neighbouring Himalayan state of Uttarakhand is also facing the impact of heavy monsoon rainfall. In a dramatic incident in Chamoli district, a metal bridge in the Niti Valley was reportedly torn apart and swept away by powerful water currents.

Orange Alert In Five Himachal Districts

The regional meteorological centre in Shimla has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Shimla and Sirmaur. Moderate to heavy rainfall is also expected in Chamba, Kullu, Solan and Bilaspur.

With more rain forecast, authorities face the difficult task of restoring damaged infrastructure while preparing for further landslides, flash floods and disruptions across the state.