Heavy rainfall continued to lash Himachal Pradesh, triggering landslides, flash floods, and widespread disruption across several districts. The adverse weather has led to the closure of more than 100 roads, damaged homes and infrastructure, and buried several vehicles under debris, particularly in Chamba district.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued heavy rainfall and a moderate flash flood threat in multiple districts over the next 24 hours, urging residents to remain alert and avoid flood-prone areas.
Over 100 Roads Closed Across the State
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, the relentless rain has severely impacted infrastructure across Himachal Pradesh.
Current disruptions include:
- 108 roads closed due to landslides and flash floods.
- 38 water supply schemes affected.
- Nine electricity transformers disrupted, impacting power supply in several areas.
Authorities are working to restore essential services while monitoring vulnerable locations.
Chamba Worst Hit as Landslides Bury Vehicles
Chamba district witnessed some of the worst damage after heavy rain triggered multiple landslides.
Near Bhariad village on the Udaipur-Golthi-Navodaya Road, a massive landslide buried nearly a dozen vehicles, including cars, trucks, and two-wheelers, under large amounts of debris.
Overflowing seasonal streams also forced several families to evacuate their homes after water changed its natural course, flooding residential areas.
The powerful flow of the Tadoli Nallah carried huge boulders that destroyed a roadside store, while debris entered several nearby houses. Residents also faced additional challenges as the Sultanpur Nallah overflowed due to continuous rainfall.
IMD Issues Orange Alert
The Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued an orange alert for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall across four to five districts until July 30 and again on August 3.
The weather department has also warned of a moderate flash flood risk in:
- Chamba
- Kangra
- Kullu
- Mandi
- Shimla
- Solan
- Sirmaur
Officials cautioned that waterlogging and flooding may occur in low-lying areas and regions with already saturated soil. People have been advised to avoid rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas while following official weather advisories.
Peak Rainfall Expected Between July 29 and July 31
Weather experts have forecast the most intense spell of rainfall between late July 29 and July 31.
Many parts of Himachal Pradesh are likely to experience continuous light to moderate rain, while isolated locations could witness heavy to very heavy downpours during this period.
Authorities remain on high alert as the risk of landslides, flash floods, and road blockages is expected to increase.
Heavy Rainfall Recorded Across Himachal Pradesh
Several areas recorded significant rainfall over the past 24 hours, including:
- Jot (Chamba): 137.8 mm
- Naina Devi: 118 mm
- Murari Devi: 83 mm
- Ghamroor: 58.2 mm
- Shimla: 58.2 mm
- Brahmani: 54.6 mm
- Jogindernagar: 52 mm
- Malraon: 47 mm
- Olinda: 44 mm
- Hamirpur: 43 mm
- Nagrota Suriyan: 42.2 mm
Water Supply Affected in Shimla
The continuous rainfall has also disrupted water supply in Shimla.
Officials stated that a transformer failure at the Satluj Water Supply Project, coupled with heavy silt accumulation and flooding at intake points, could affect water distribution in the city over the next few days.
Residents have been advised to use water judiciously until normal supply is restored.
Monsoon Death Toll Reaches 15
The ongoing monsoon season has already claimed 15 lives in Himachal Pradesh due to landslides and flash floods since the rains began on June 30.
With more heavy rainfall forecast over the coming days, disaster response teams remain on standby as authorities continue restoration work and closely monitor weather conditions across the state.
FAQs
1. Why are so many roads closed in Himachal Pradesh?
Heavy rainfall triggered landslides and flash floods, leading to the closure of 108 roads across the state.
2. Which district has been worst affected by the recent rains?
Chamba district has suffered extensive damage, with landslides burying vehicles, damaging homes, and disrupting transportation.
3. How many vehicles were buried in the landslide?
Around a dozen vehicles, including cars, trucks, and two-wheelers, were buried under debris in Chamba district.
4. Which districts are under flash flood warning?
The IMD has issued flash flood warnings for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur.
5. Has the IMD issued any weather alert?
Yes. An orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued until July 30 and again on August 3.
6. How many roads have been affected?
A total of 108 roads have been closed due to landslides and flash floods.
7. Is Shimla’s water supply affected?
Yes. Water supply may remain disrupted because of transformer failure and heavy silt accumulation at key water sources.
8. When is the heaviest rainfall expected?
The IMD expects peak rainfall activity between July 29 and July 31.
9. How many people have died during this year’s monsoon in Himachal Pradesh?
So far, 15 people have lost their lives due to landslides and flash floods during the ongoing monsoon season.
10. What precautions should residents and tourists take?
People should avoid travelling to landslide-prone areas, stay away from rivers and streams, follow official weather advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.
