Heavy rains since Sunday have led to devastating landslides and flash floods across Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the closure of 338 roads, including four national highways. Officials reported that several areas, particularly in Una, are severely waterlogged.
Rescue operations are ongoing to find approximately 30 people missing since the July 31 flash floods in Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts, but efforts have yielded limited results. So far, 28 bodies have been recovered. The relentless rainfall has claimed over 100 lives and caused damages estimated at Rs 842 crore between June 27 and August 9.
Road Closures
The State Emergency Operation Centre detailed that 104 of the closed roads are in Shimla, 71 in Mandi, 58 in Sirmaur, and others across the state. Additionally, 488 power and 116 water supply schemes have been disrupted.
The regional Met office has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for heavy rain in isolated parts of the state until Saturday and warned of low to moderate flash flood risks in Chamba, Kinnaur, Sirmaur, and Shimla districts until Tuesday.
Rainfall data recorded since Sunday evening shows significant precipitation: 115 mm in Nagal, 87 mm in Kasauli, and 56 mm in Una, among other areas. Flash floods and landslides continue to impact Chamba, Mandi, Kinnaur, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan districts.