Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Fury: 157 Dead, 260 Roads Blocked Amid Landslides

Himachal Pradesh continues to face severe monsoon disruption, with 259 roads blocked, 157 people dead and losses estimated at around Rs 886 crore, according to the latest State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) report.

The report, covering June 30 to August 9, said 68 people were killed in landslides and flash floods, while 89 died in road accidents. Another 257 people have been reported missing as relentless rainfall continues to batter the state.

Nearly 900 properties and public infrastructure facilities have been damaged in the monsoon, while authorities remain on alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in five districts.

Mandi, Kullu Among Worst-Affected

Landslides and landslips have disrupted road connectivity across Himachal Pradesh, with 259 roads currently closed, including the key Mandi-Kullu highway. Mandi is the worst affected, accounting for 120 blocked roads, followed by Chamba with 42, Kullu with 40 and Shimla with 30.

Officials are working to clear the affected routes, but continuing rainfall and fresh landslides are hampering restoration efforts in the mountainous regions.

The power network has also taken a major hit. Around 161 distribution transformers have remained non-functional for more than a week. Mandi accounts for 77 of these, followed by Shimla with 43 and Kullu with 40.

Water Supply Also Hit

The monsoon has disrupted drinking water infrastructure, with 54 water supply schemes affected across the state.

Shimla has reported the highest number of disruptions at 33, followed by Chamba with 16 and Hamirpur with five.

Rising water levels in rivers and streams have further intensified the situation, particularly in Kullu. Videos from the region have shown landslide debris crashing down mountain slopes and flash floods sweeping away vehicles and temporary bridges.

Uttarakhand Faces Similar Situation

Himachal’s neighbouring Himalayan state Uttarakhand is also battling heavy monsoon rainfall. A dramatic incident was reported from Chamoli’s Niti Valley, where strong currents of floodwater ripped apart and swept away a metal bridge.

Orange Alert Issued

The regional meteorological centre in Shimla has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Shimla and Sirmaur. Moderate to heavy rain is also expected in Chamba, Kullu, Solan and Bilaspur.

With more rainfall forecast, Himachal Pradesh remains caught between restoring infrastructure damaged by the monsoon and preparing for further landslides, flash floods and road disruptions.