Heavy monsoon rains continued to disrupt normal life across parts of northern and western India on Friday, triggering flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. In Himachal Pradesh, torrential rainfall caused flash floods in Kinnaur district, damaging roads and disrupting traffic, while Gujarat witnessed widespread waterlogging in several districts, resulting in fatalities and significant damage to public infrastructure. Authorities remained on high alert as rescue and restoration operations continued in affected areas.

In Himachal Pradesh, flash floods and landslides struck multiple locations in Kinnaur district, blocking the strategically important Hindustan-Tibet Road (National Highway-5) near Cholling and washing away sections of the Ribba-Kande link road. Several vehicles were damaged after torrents of water and debris swept through the area, though officials confirmed that no casualties had been reported. A JCB machine was immediately deployed to clear the debris, allowing authorities to reopen NH-5 for vehicular movement after restoration work.

According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), adverse weather conditions led to the closure of 49 roads across the state. The highest number of road closures was reported in Kullu district, followed by Chamba, Sirmaur, Mandi, Una, and Lahaul and Spiti. Rescue teams also safely evacuated 24 pilgrims who had been stranded near a temple in Chamba after rising water levels and damaged routes cut off access to the area. Officials have advised residents and travellers to avoid vulnerable locations until weather conditions improve.

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In Gujarat, relentless monsoon showers inundated several towns and villages, exposing weaknesses in urban drainage systems and flood preparedness. The worst tragedy occurred in Valod village of Tapi district, where two labourers lost their lives after entering a drain to remove tree branches that had become lodged during heavy water discharge intended to prevent an embankment breach. Authorities have launched further assessments as heavy rainfall continues to affect multiple districts.

The India Meteorological Department's rainfall data showed that rain was recorded in 172 talukas across Gujarat during the previous 24 hours. Mangrol in Junagadh district received the state's highest rainfall of 13 inches, while Kadi in Mehsana witnessed nearly nine inches of rain within just two hours before dawn, flooding more than 25 residential societies. Valsad also experienced severe waterlogging after receiving over six inches of rainfall, disrupting transport and daily activities for residents.

Surat district recorded 228 millimetres of rainfall, prompting local authorities to maintain heightened vigilance. District Collector Tejas Parmar stated that although no reservoirs or dams had reached danger levels and no flood-like situation had officially developed, the administration remained fully prepared to respond to any emergency. With the southwest monsoon remaining active, disaster management agencies continue to monitor rainfall patterns closely and have urged residents in vulnerable areas to exercise caution and follow official advisories.

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