Shimla, July 28 – The monsoon has once again intensified in Himachal Pradesh, bringing with it heavy rainfall that has severely disrupted normal life across the state. Intermittent rain has been lashing several parts of the state, including the capital Shimla, since Saturday night. Kangra district recorded widespread torrential rains late Sunday night.
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall today and an orange alert for some areas on July 29. Yellow alerts have also been issued for July 30 and 31. Additionally, the department has warned of thunderstorms and lightning during this period.
Heavy Rainfall Recorded in Several Areas
According to the Meteorological Department, the weather is likely to remain unstable across the state from August 1 to 3, although no alert has been issued for this period. On Sunday night, Shahpur in Kangra district recorded the highest rainfall at 157 mm. Other areas included Kangra with 140 mm, Palampur 72 mm, Dharamshala 53 mm, Jogindernagar in Mandi district 46 mm, and Sarahan 30 mm. Continuous rains have caused rivers and streams to overflow, increasing the threat of landslides.
Road, Power and Water Supply Severely Affected
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, as of Monday morning, a total of 197 roads including two national highways have been closed to traffic. One national highway each in Mandi and Kullu districts – the Mandi-Kotli and Anni-Kullu highways – remain shut. Mandi alone has seen 130 roads affected, while 45 roads are impacted in Kullu.
The heavy rainfall has also hit electricity and water supply across the state. A total of 57 transformers and 97 drinking water schemes are currently non-operational. In Mandi, 20 transformers and 38 water schemes are disrupted, while 33 transformers are down in Kullu. In Kangra district, 59 water supply schemes have been affected in Dharamshala and Nurpur subdivisions.
161 Deaths So Far This Monsoon Season
Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, as many as 161 people have lost their lives in rain and landslide-related incidents. Additionally, 263 people have been injured, and 35 are still missing. Mandi district has recorded the highest casualties with 32 deaths and 27 missing persons. Other fatalities include 23 in Kangra, 17 each in Kullu and Chamba, 12 in Shimla, 11 each in Solan and Una, 10 each in Hamirpur and Kinnaur, 8 in Bilaspur, 6 in Lahaul-Spiti, and 4 in Sirmaur.
Massive Damage to Homes and Livestock
Heavy rainfall and landslides have also caused extensive damage to homes and livestock. So far, 1,316 houses have been damaged across the state, out of which 418 have been completely destroyed. Mandi district alone reported damage to 986 houses, including 376 that were fully collapsed. Additionally, around 21,500 poultry birds and 1,402 cattle have perished.
Loss Estimated at Over ₹1,506 Crore
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, Himachal Pradesh has suffered losses of over ₹1,506 crore this monsoon season. Of this, the Public Works Department has incurred damages worth ₹768 crore, while the Jal Shakti Department has faced losses of ₹495 crore. So far, the state has witnessed 42 flash floods, 25 cloudbursts, and 32 landslides during this monsoon.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
