Monsoon Mayhem: Himachal Pradesh Reels as Landslides Shut 398 Roads

Relentless monsoon rains have plunged Himachal Pradesh into chaos, with landslides and uprooted trees blocking 398 roads, including three critical national highways, and causing widespread damage across the state. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that Mandi district alone saw 213 roads closed, while neighboring Kullu reported 85, severely disrupting connectivity and daily life.

In Shimla, the state capital, three to four vehicles were damaged by falling trees in the Tutikandi area, and an uprooted tree in Vikas Nagar crushed a building’s roof. The blocked highways include NH-305 (Aut-Sainj), NH-505 (Khab to Gramphoo), and NH-707 (Hatkoti to Poanta Sahib), with the Chamba-Pathankot highway caving in near Dunera, halting traffic.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Wednesday and Thursday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts. Recent rainfall measurements underscore the monsoon’s intensity: Nagrota Suriyan recorded 180.2 mm, Guler 161.2 mm, Ghamroor 112.2 mm, and Shimla 45.6 mm in the past 24 hours. The state has received 535.9 mm of rain since June 1, 13% above the normal 473 mm, fueling the ongoing crisis.

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Since the monsoon’s onset on June 20, 119 people have died in rain-related incidents, including landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, with 36 still missing. The SEOC reported 58 flash floods, 30 cloudbursts, and 54 major landslides, alongside the loss of 1,296 livestock and 21,500 poultry birds. Infrastructure damage is staggering, with 669 transformers and 529 water supply schemes disrupted, particularly in Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu. Economic losses have soared to ₹2,007 crore, with public infrastructure like roads, bridges, and water systems bearing the brunt.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, emphasized the need for central aid to address damages nearing ₹1,000 crore this season alone. Rescue operations by the NDRF, SDRF, and local teams continue, with relief camps and ex-gratia payments supporting displaced families. The IMD’s forecast of more heavy rain has prompted authorities to urge residents to avoid landslide-prone areas and follow weather advisories closely.

As Himachal Pradesh battles this unprecedented monsoon season, experts point to climate change and inadequate infrastructure as key contributors. The state’s hilly terrain, coupled with excessive rainfall, has overwhelmed roads and utilities, leaving communities stranded. With more rain expected, the government faces mounting pressure to restore connectivity and bolster disaster preparedness to prevent further loss of life and property.

Also Read: Himachal Reels Under Monsoon Fury: 617 Roads Blocked, Schools Shut