Himachal Pradesh Hit Hard by Landslides and Flash Floods: Over 280 Roads Closed and Heavy Rainfall Expected

Himachal Pradesh Hit Hard by Landslides and Flash Floods: Over 280 Roads Closed and Heavy Rainfall Expected

Himachal Pradesh is grappling with severe disruptions following intense rainfall over the past two days. The heavy rains have triggered numerous landslides and flash floods, leading to the closure of over 280 roads across the state. On Saturday alone, officials reported the closure of 150 roads, compounding the already significant infrastructure challenges.

The situation remains dire as overflowing streams have inundated several residential areas in Una. In Lahaul and Spiti, authorities have issued urgent advisories, urging residents and travelers to avoid crossing the rapidly rising Jahalman Nallah due to its dangerous water levels.

Rescue operations are ongoing to locate around 30 individuals who went missing following flash floods on July 31 in Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts. Despite extensive efforts, no significant breakthroughs have been reported. To date, 28 bodies have been recovered. The devastating impact of the monsoon has claimed over 100 lives and caused an estimated financial loss of Rs 842 crore between June 27 and August 9, 2024.

The state’s emergency operation center reports that out of 288 closed roads, 138 were shut down on Friday and an additional 150 on Saturday. The affected areas include Mandi with 96 roads closed, Shimla with 76, Kullu with 37, Sirmaur with 33, Chamba with 26, Lahaul and Spiti with seven, Hamirpur with five, and Kangra and Kinnaur with four each. The district of Kinnaur has been particularly hard hit, with flash floods and a landslide on National Highway 5 near Negulsari isolating it from the state capital, Shimla.

The state is also experiencing widespread utility disruptions, with 458 power schemes and 48 water supply schemes affected. In response to the ongoing weather conditions, the regional meteorological office has issued an ‘orange’ alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts, including Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, and Una. The alert warns of thunderstorms and lightning, which could exacerbate the already precarious situation.

The MeT office has highlighted a low to moderate risk of flash floods in isolated parts of Chamba, Hamirpur, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Shimla districts. There is also concern over potential damage to plantations, crops, vulnerable structures, and ‘kutcha’ houses due to strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Despite the heavy rains, Himachal Pradesh has experienced a 28 percent rainfall deficit during the monsoon season, with total precipitation standing at 328.8 mm against the average of 455.5 mm. The situation underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster management in the region to mitigate the impacts of such severe weather events.

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