Mandi – Continuous heavy rainfall has thrown life out of gear in Mandi district, prompting the Meteorological Department in Shimla to issue a red alert for August 25 and 26. In view of the deteriorating conditions, the district administration has ordered the closure of all government and private schools, colleges, ITIs, vocational institutes, and Anganwadi centres on August 26. Only medical colleges and hospitals will remain functional.
The relentless downpour has triggered multiple landslides, leading to road closures across the region. The Mandi–Kullu National Highway (NH-21) has been blocked near Pandoh due to falling rocks and landslides, leaving several passengers stranded in the tunnel area. Relief arrangements, including food and essentials, have been provided by the district administration with the support of local committees. Other major routes, including Mandi–Kullu via Katoula, Slapper–Tattapani, Kamand–Parashar, and Dharampur–Jogindernagar roads, have also been blocked.
Rivers and streams in the region are flowing dangerously above normal levels. With the rising water level of the Beas River and its tributaries, authorities have released excess water from major dams. The Kol Dam has discharged water, raising river levels by 4–5 metres. Similarly, 2,000 cusecs of water has been released from the Larji hydroelectric project, with more expected if the flow continues to increase. The Pandoh Dam has also discharged additional water.
Hotels, guest houses, homestays, and taxi operators have been instructed to strictly warn tourists to stay away from rivers and streams. The impact of the rainfall has been severe, with 334 roads shut, 229 transformers damaged causing power cuts, and 36 water supply schemes disrupted.
The district administration has appealed to residents and tourists to avoid riversides, landslide-prone areas, and upper regions. Citizens have been urged to refrain from unnecessary travel and to use official helpline numbers in case of emergencies.
