Landslides and flash floods, brought on by heavy rains over the past two days, have resulted in the closure of more than 280 roads across Himachal Pradesh, with 150 roads being closed on Saturday alone, officials reported.
In Una, water from overflowing streams has entered several houses, adding to the widespread damage. The Lahaul and Spiti police have issued an urgent advisory, urging residents and travelers to exercise extreme caution and avoid crossing the Jahalman Nallah, as its water level is “rapidly” rising.
Rescue operations continue in Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts, where around 30 people remain missing after flash floods struck on July 31. Despite ongoing efforts, there has been no major success, with 28 bodies recovered so far.
The heavy rains have resulted in over 100 deaths from rain-related incidents. The state has suffered significant losses, estimated at around Rs 842 crore, between June 27 and August 9.
Among the 288 roads closed, the hardest-hit areas include Mandi with 96 closures, Shimla with 76, Kullu with 37, and Sirmaur with 33. Kinnaur district is cut off from state capital Shimla due to flash floods between Pooh and Kaurik and a landslide on National Highway 5 near Negulsari.
Additionally, 458 power and 48 water supply schemes are disrupted across the state, further complicating the situation. Rescue and restoration efforts are ongoing as officials work to address the widespread damage.
The regional meteorological office on Sunday issued an ‘orange’ alert, the warning for heavy to very rainfall at isolated places in in five districts — Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamiprpur, Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur and Una.
It said rains will be accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
The MeT office also warned of low to moderate flash flood risk in isolated parts of Chamba, Hamirpur, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur and Shimla districts.
It said plantations, crops, vulnerable structures and ‘kutcha’ houses could suffer damage due to strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
The rainfall deficit in Himachal Pradesh during the monsoon that began on June 1 stood at 28 per cent till August 10 with Himachal Pradesh receiving 328.8 mm rain against an average of 455.5 mm.
(With inputs from PTI)