Himachal Pradesh is currently grappling with the devastating impact of heavy rainfall, leading to the issuance of an orange alert for seven districts and the blockage of the Mandi–Manali National Highway. The Meteorological Department has predicted continued inclement weather across the state.
The districts under orange alert include Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Solan, Shimla, and Kullu. This alert signifies the possibility of very heavy rainfall, ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within a 24-hour period. An even more severe 'red' alert, indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall (over 204.4 mm), has been issued for isolated locations within Kangra, Sirmaur, and Mandi districts. The heavy downpour has already disrupted normal life in several areas, including Thunaag and Janjheli in Mandi district.
The relentless rains have triggered a series of destructive events, including cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. Since the arrival of the southwest monsoon on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed 22 cloudbursts, 31 flash floods, and 18 landslides. These disasters have resulted in a tragic loss of life, with 95 deaths reported, 175 injuries, and 33 people still missing.
The heavy rainfall has also caused significant damage to infrastructure. As of July 13, two national highways (NH-003 and NH-21) and 250 other roads are blocked, hindering vehicular movement. In addition, 327 power transformers are non-functional, and 787 drinking water schemes have been disrupted across the state. Efforts are underway by the administration to restore these essential services. More than 260 roads, including 176 in Mandi, are blocked due to heavy rains. A total of 225 roads are closed.
The Murari Devi area in Mandi district has recorded the highest rainfall of 130 mm in the past 24 hours. Other areas that have received significant rainfall include Aghar in Hamirpur district (100 mm) and Kothi in Kullu district (60 mm). Gohar has recorded 85 mm of rainfall, followed by 84.5 mm in Sarahan, 60 mm in Baijnath, 54.2 mm in Nahan, 48 mm in Poanta Sahib, 46.2 mm in Naina Devi, 37 mm in Kasauli, 28 mm in Jogindernagar, 27.2 mm in Palampur and 19 mm in Shimla.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) estimates that the losses incurred due to the heavy rains are around Rs 541 crore. However, the Chief Minister believes the actual losses could be closer to Rs 700 crore as details are still being compiled. Since the monsoon began, 119 lives have been lost in Himachal due to rain-related incidents.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of the risk of low to moderate flash floods in several districts, including Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur. The weather department has also advised people to stay away from water bodies and avoid vulnerable areas, warning of possible landslides, flash floods, waterlogging, and damage to structures, crops, and essential services.
The current situation in Himachal Pradesh highlights the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and the importance of preparedness and timely response to mitigate the impact of these disasters.
