Shimla: Heavy rainfall has thrown normal life out of gear in Himachal Pradesh, forcing the closure of nearly 400 roads, including two national highways. Officials said moderate to heavy showers battered several districts, causing major disruptions in transport and essential services.
Mandi district reported the highest number of closures with 221 roads blocked, while 102 were shut in Kullu. National Highway 3 and NH 305 also remained closed to traffic, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) confirmed. In addition, 208 electricity transformers and 51 water supply schemes were knocked out across the state.
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall in isolated areas of two to seven districts until August 30. Pandoh recorded the highest rainfall at 123 mm, followed by 105 mm in Kasauli, 104.6 mm in Jot, and 68 mm each in Mandi and Karsog. Other areas, including Nadaun, Jogindernagar, Dharampur, Palampur, and Sarahan, also received significant downpours.
Thunderstorms were reported in Sundernagar, Shimla, Bhuntar, Jot, Murari Devi, Jubbarhatti, and Kangra. Officials noted that since the monsoon began on June 20, at least 152 people have died and 37 remain missing. The state has recorded 75 flash floods, 40 cloudbursts, and 74 major landslides so far this season.
According to the SEOC, Himachal Pradesh has suffered damages worth โน2,347 crore due to rain-related incidents. Rainfall has been 16 percent above average this season, with 662.3 mm recorded against the usual 571.4 mm.
