A total of 134 roads, including National Highway 5, were closed in Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rainfall, according to the state emergency operation centre (SEOC). The disruption is a result of persistent rains that have also led to a significant impact on infrastructure across the state.
The local meteorological office has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning at isolated locations in the state on September 2. Areas such as Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan are expected to experience low to moderate flash floods. The MeT office has forecasted heavy rains in 10 out of the state’s 12 districts, with Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti expected to be less affected.
As per the SEOC, the road closures include 59 in Shimla, 28 in Sirmaur, 16 each in Kullu and Mandi, 10 in Kangra, and smaller numbers in Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Una, and Chamba. Additionally, 132 power and 54 water supply schemes have been disrupted.
In the past 24 hours, moderate rainfall has been recorded in various parts of the state. Chopal received 40.4 mm of rain, followed by Nahan with 24 mm. Other areas like Dhaulakuan, Poanta Sahib, and Una also saw significant rainfall.
Himachal Pradesh has experienced a rainfall deficit of 23 percent since the monsoon began on June 27, with total rainfall at 464.1 mm compared to the average of 603.7 mm. The state has reported 144 rain-related deaths and damage amounting to Rs 1,217 crore this year.