Relentless heavy rainfall has brought Himachal Pradesh to a standstill, forcing the closure of educational institutions in four districts and blocking 484 roads, including two critical national highways. The state is grappling with severe disruptions to daily life, infrastructure, and essential services as the monsoon season intensifies.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall in isolated areas across two to seven districts, effective until August 30. In response, authorities have ordered the closure of all non-residential schools and colleges in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Una, and Solan districts to ensure the safety of students and staff. Residential institutions remain operational but are on high alert.
Since Sunday night, moderate to heavy rainfall has battered multiple regions of the state, causing widespread road blockages. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that 245 roads in Mandi district and 102 in Kullu district are impassable. Among the affected routes are National Highway 154A, connecting Chamba to Pathankot, and National Highway 305, linking Aut to Sainj, both critical for regional connectivity. These closures have stranded commuters, disrupted supply chains, and isolated several communities.
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The heavy rains have also crippled essential services. According to SEOC data, 941 power supply transformers and 95 water supply schemes have been rendered inoperative, leaving many households without electricity or clean water. The outages have compounded the challenges faced by residents already dealing with flooded roads and damaged infrastructure.
Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has faced a barrage of rain-related calamities. The SEOC reports that at least 155 people have lost their lives in incidents linked to heavy rainfall, including flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts. An additional 37 individuals remain missing, with search and rescue operations ongoing. The state has recorded 77 flash floods, 40 cloudbursts, and 79 major landslides, contributing to widespread destruction.
The financial toll is staggering, with preliminary estimates pegging losses at Rs 2,348 crore. Damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public utilities, will require significant investment to restore. The state government has mobilized emergency response teams, but the scale of the disaster poses a formidable challenge.
As the yellow warning remains in effect, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and adhere to safety advisories. The IMD has cautioned that isolated areas may experience intense rainfall, potentially exacerbating the already dire situation. Relief and rehabilitation efforts are underway, but the road to recovery for Himachal Pradesh promises to be long and arduous.
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