Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has triggered flash floods and landslides, disrupting normal life and causing widespread damage across the state. As of today, August 3, 2025, two national highways and 305 roads are closed, and an orange alert has been issued for Monday.
The relentless rain has resulted in significant disruptions to transportation, with key mountain arteries, including NH-305, NH-505, NH-21, and NH-03, blocked by landslide debris. In the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, NH-505 is shut near Chhatru, while NH-305 in Kullu is closed at Jhed (Khanag), cutting off entire valleys for a second straight day. More than 400 roads were closed in Himachal Pradesh as heavy rains lashed various parts of the state again since Friday evening. In Mandi district, through which key roads such as the highway to Kullu-Manali pass, 174 roads were closed. More than 100 roads are closed in Chamba, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).
The districts of Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, and Una are among the worst affected, with numerous reports of landslides, house collapses, and bridges being washed away. Many interior routes remain inaccessible, hampering repair work and rescue operations.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that 383 roads are blocked, 747 distribution transformers (DTRs) are out of action, and 249 water supply schemes are down. Power outages and water supply disruptions are widespread, adding to the woes of the residents.
A cofferdam at the Malana-I hydro-electric project in Kullu's Parvati Valley collapsed on Friday after debris-choked drainage pipes gave way, causing a surge of water to sweep heavy machinery downstream. The same project was battered by a flash flood last year. A sudden flash flood in the Kullu district caused a partial breach of the cofferdam at the Malana-I Hydroelectric Project, washing away multiple vehicles and heavy machinery in its path. The incident has raised fresh concerns about infrastructure vulnerability in the face of intense monsoon rains. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) reported the loss of a hydra crane, a dumper truck, a rock breaker, and a camper vehicle due to the breach.
Dam operators are closely monitoring water levels, and the Bajoli Holi and Baira dams in the Ravi basin, along with the Sainj and Largi barrages on the Beas, have halted power generation due to high silt loads. Malana-II remains shut with its gates open after Friday's surge.
Since the onset of the monsoon in Himachal on June 20, the state has suffered losses to the tune of ₹1,692 crore. There have been 173 reported deaths due to rain-related incidents, with 36 people still missing. As many as 1,600 houses have been fully or partially damaged in the state. The state has witnessed 51 flash floods, 28 cloudbursts, and 45 major landslides.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of more intense rainfall in the coming days. The SDMA has urged citizens to follow local advisories and step out only if absolutely necessary, reminding the public of the continued risk of flash floods and landslides. People needing help can reach the state emergency operation centre's 24x7 helpline at 1070 and 1077.
