Over 126 roads have been blocked by landslides and flash floods seen in several parts of Himachal Pradesh in the last week. The occurrences have uprooted trees and inundating low-lying areas, as per officials.
The officials reported on Thursday that 126 roads, including two national highways, are currently closed to vehicular traffic in the state.
Due to landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts across the state, roads are frequently closing and reopening. Earlier on Wednesday evening, 75 roads were closed, but by Thursday morning, that number had risen to 126, with 51 additional roads being shut overnight due to the continued rainfall.
The state emergency operation Centre reported on Thursday morning that 76 roads were blocked in Shimla, 18 in Mandi, 13 in Kullu, eight in Sirmaur, five in Kangra, three in Kinnaur, two in Lahaul and Spiti, and one in Chamba district. Additionally, 105 power supply schemes and 47 water supply schemes were also affected.
Orange alert in Himachal Pradesh
The local meteorological office has issued an ‘orange’ alert for heavy to very heavy rain on Thursday and a ‘yellow’ alert for heavy rain in isolated areas of the state through August 21.
Kangra, Sirmaur, and Bilaspur districts experienced heavy rainfall overnight, leading to overflowing streams, uprooted trees, and waterlogged roads in Kangra.
(With PTI inputs)