Himachal Pradesh is reeling under a fresh wave of monsoon fury, with torrential rains triggering landslides, flash floods, and widespread destruction across several districts. While no loss of life has been reported since Monday night, the devastation has left towns battered, highways blocked, and power supply crippled.

The meteorological department has issued a ‘red’ alert for Kangra, Chamba, and Lahaul-Spiti districts, warning of very heavy rainfall. An ‘orange’ alert is in place for Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Solan, Mandi, Kullu, and Shimla, where continuous downpours have already caused significant damage.

In Kullu district, the swelling Beas river swept away a multi-storey hotel and four shops in Manali early Tuesday. Gushing waters also inundated Alu ground and blocked the Manali-Leh highway at multiple points. Water from Ghanvi Khud overflowed into residential areas, adding to the woes of locals.

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Mandi district saw the collapse of two commercial buildings housing nearly 40 shops in Balichowki. Fortunately, the structures had been vacated earlier. Flash floods also hit Kanvi in Kinnaur, worsening the crisis.

Authorities across several districts, including Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, and Banjar in Kullu, ordered the closure of schools and colleges, citing student safety. Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said the district had been pounded by relentless rain since Monday, leading to landslides, uprooted trees, and road closures.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), 795 roads were blocked by Tuesday morning, including NH-3 (Mandi–Dharampur) and NH-305 (Aut–Sainj). Additionally, 956 power transformers and 517 water supply schemes were disrupted.

Mandi alone accounted for 289 blocked roads, followed by 214 in Chamba and 132 in Kullu. The widespread damage has once again highlighted the fragility of infrastructure in the hill state. Himachal received 703.7 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 25, 22% above normal. August alone has seen 44% excess rain, worsening the disaster situation.

With more heavy showers forecast over the next 24 hours, the administration has urged people to avoid travel in vulnerable areas and remain alert to the risk of fresh landslides and flash floods.

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