Himachal Pradesh is experiencing severe weather-related disruptions and high alert across nearly all regions as the monsoon intensifies its impact. Overnight and ongoing heavy rainfall prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue orange and yellow alerts in most districts, with warnings of intense and very intense spells likely to continue for the next several days. Torrential downpours have led to landslides, mudslides, flooding, and flash floods in multiple areas including Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Kangra, Sirmaur, and Bilaspur. Water levels in rivers and streams have surged, prompting authorities to urge people to avoid water bodies and stay updated with advisories.
Educational institutions including all government and private schools, colleges, ITIs, and Anganwadis were shut down in many districts such as Shimla, Solan, and several sub-divisions to ensure children’s safety. Traffic has been majorly hindered, with hundreds of roads blocked—the total crossing 600 according to some reports—and major highways like the Chandigarh-Manali NH closed due to landslides between Mandi and Kullu. Vehicular movement in Kullu district has been largely suspended, and rescue operations were activated in landslide-affected areas. Several vehicles and even shops have been buried under debris in regions hit by flash floods and landslides.
Damage from the ongoing monsoon this year has been immense: as per the State Disaster Management Authority, 194 deaths have been reported so far this season, with over 1,85,000 lakh rupees in losses. Of these fatalities, more than 100 are directly linked to rain-triggered incidents such as landslides and floods. The IMD expects the heavy rainfall pattern to persist, especially in districts like Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Kangra, Solan, Sirmaur, and Mandi, with additional alerts already issued for the coming days.
Authorities have also enforced strict adherence to security and disaster management protocols. Emergency management operations are ongoing, and local administrators have directed staff and emergency services to remain on high alert. In affected villages and towns, many residents have been evacuated to safer locations, and temporary shelters have been set up. State and district control rooms remain operational around the clock, with quick-response and rescue teams, including SDRF, police, and local administration, deployed in vulnerable zones.
Residents are urged to strictly follow government and IMD advisories:
- Avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep away from rivers, streams, and unstable slopes.
- Follow all administrative and emergency directives.
- Move livestock and valuables to higher and safer grounds.
With the possibility of further rain-triggered incidents and infrastructural collapse, the situation in Himachal Pradesh remains precarious, demanding heightened caution and cooperation from all residents and travelers. The next 48–72 hours are critical as the state navigates both the ongoing disaster impacts and potential new weather hazards. Local government, emergency teams, and IMD will continue to provide updates and advisories as the situation evolves.
