Himachal Pradesh: Landslides, Heavy Rains Disrupt Highways

Relentless heavy rainfall battered Himachal Pradesh on Monday, triggering landslides and forcing the closure of 400 roads, including three critical national highways, officials reported. While no fatalities were recorded, the deluge has caused widespread disruption, severing connectivity to numerous villages and hampering essential services across the state.

The Shimla-Mandi road, a vital artery, was shut near Tatti-Pani in Shimla’s Sunni area after the Satluj river’s scouring and sliding reduced the road’s width to a precarious 1.5 meters, rendering it unsafe for vehicles. The alternative route via Thali Bridge is also closed, isolating Karsog from Shimla. In Kullu district, a massive landslide on the Aut-Largi-Sainj road near Pagal Nala cut off road access to approximately 15 villages, leaving residents stranded.

Significant rainfall was recorded across the state, with Dhaulakuan receiving 113 mm since Sunday evening, followed by Jot (70.8 mm), Malraon (70 mm), Palampur (58.7 mm), and other areas like Paonta Sahib and Dharamshala. Sundernagar and Murari Devi faced thunderstorms, while gusty winds of 37-44 km/h swept through Tabo, Reckong Peo, and Kufri. The meteorological office issued a ‘yellow’ warning for heavy rains at isolated places until August 24, except for August 21.

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The closures include National Highway 3 (Mandi-Dharampur), NH 305 (Aut-Sainj), and NH-505 (Khab to Gramphoo), with Mandi district reporting 192 blocked roads and Kullu 86, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). Additionally, 883 power supply transformers and 122 water supply schemes have been disrupted, compounding the challenges for residents.

Since the monsoon’s onset on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has faced severe devastation, with 74 flash floods, 36 cloudbursts, and 66 major landslides causing losses of ₹2,173 crore. Tragically, 136 people have lost their lives, and 37 remain missing. Authorities are working to clear debris and restore connectivity, but the ongoing rains pose significant hurdles, urging commuters to avoid travel until conditions improve.

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