Flash Flood Warning Issued For Nine Himachal Districts, Roads Hit By Rain
Heavy rain triggers flood warning and travel disruptions.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences has issued a flash flood alert for nine districts of Himachal Pradesh as heavy rainfall continues to disrupt normal life across the hill state. The alert issued for July 22 covers Sirmaur, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Solan, Lahaul and Spiti, and Kinnaur districts, with authorities warning residents to remain cautious in vulnerable areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a red alert for parts of Himachal Pradesh, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several regions. District administrations have advised people to avoid rivers, streams, landslide-prone zones and unnecessary outdoor activities, especially trekking, as the risk of flash floods and mudslides remains high.
Heavy rainfall, flash floods and increased glacier melting have caused major disruptions to road connectivity in Lahaul and Spiti district. A temporary bridge on the alternative Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi (SKTT) road was washed away after a flash flood at Jahalama nullah, cutting off traffic movement between Keylong and Udaipur in Lahaul and Spiti and the Pangi valley in Chamba district.
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The damaged route has affected several villages in the Udaipur subdivision, restricting the movement of residents, essential supplies and agricultural produce. The main Bailey bridge on the SKTT road had already been damaged weeks earlier and remains under repair, increasing the challenges for connectivity in the remote region.
Continuous rainfall and rapid glacier melting have also caused the Chenab river to swell, submerging a road bridge in Jobrang panchayat. Villages including Jobrang, Rashel and Raape have lost road access, while flash floods in Shichling and Nadang have further disrupted transport. The road between Shichling and Tabo has also been blocked due to the adverse weather conditions.
Lahaul and Spiti Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhadana said the Jahalama diversion was washed away after a sudden rise in water levels caused by continuous rain. The administration has restricted vehicle movement on the affected route until further notice and directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to restore connectivity on priority once water levels decrease. Meanwhile, heavy rains in Mandi and Chamba districts have also created challenges, with local residents rescuing three labourers trapped in a flooded stream in the Holi area of Bharmour subdivision.
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