Recent cloudbursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh have resulted in widespread disruption, leaving over 300 roads blocked and prompting an orange alert in several districts. The intense rainfall has triggered landslides and washed away bridges, severely impacting transportation and daily life across the state.
Several districts have been affected, including Shimla, Kullu, and Lahaul and Spiti, where cloudbursts have led to flash floods. Two bridges were washed away in Lahaul and Spiti district due to floods triggered by cloudbursts in Karpat, Changut and Udgos Nala of the Mayad valley. A police post was also swept away in Ganvi Ravine, and a bus stand along with adjoining shops were damaged due to heavy rain in the Shimla district. In Kullu, cloudbursts occurred in Shrikhand hill and Bathadh hill, causing damage to cottages and washing away vehicles.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall. A yellow alert has also been issued for heavy rain in isolated areas of four to six districts from Friday to Sunday. These alerts advise residents to stay cautious and avoid unnecessary travel, as conditions could worsen. The IMD's Shimla office has predicted that heavy rainfall spells are likely to continue in parts of Himachal Pradesh until August 19.
The impact of the cloudbursts and flash floods has been significant. Over 325 roads, including two national highways, are blocked due to landslides and flooding. As a result, 599 power distribution transformers are out of service, and 177 water supply schemes have been disrupted. This has led to electricity outages and water shortages in many areas. The Aut-Sainj road, part of NH-305, and the road from Khab to Gramphoo (NH-505) are among those closed to vehicular traffic.
In response to the crisis, district administrations are engaged in relief work. Affected families are being shifted to safer places, and interim relief is being provided. The administration is also assessing the damage caused by the cloudbursts and flash floods.
Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has faced substantial losses. As of Wednesday, officials reported that the state has incurred losses to the tune of Rs 2031 crore. Tragically, 241 people have lost their lives, including 126 deaths due to rain-related incidents like landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts, and 115 due to road accidents. The state has witnessed 63 flash flood incidents, 31 cloudbursts, and 57 major landslides during this period.
