Shimla: A fresh landslide disrupted traffic on the Shimla-Dharamshala National Highway near Bhararighat on Thursday night, adding to concerns in Himachal Pradesh as the state braces for another spell of heavy rain.
An HRTC bus carrying passengers was on the route when the landslide occurred but managed to pass without being caught in the debris. Following the incident, the highway was closed to traffic as authorities began clearing the affected stretch.
The location has already emerged as a trouble spot. Just three days earlier, a major rockfall at the same stretch had claimed one life and left a woman and her daughter injured.
Heavy rain warning remains in place
The latest disruption comes as the India Meteorological Department has warned of intense rainfall in several parts of the state.
For Friday, an orange alert has been issued for isolated areas of Mandi and Sirmaur, indicating the possibility of very heavy rain. Una, Bilaspur, Chamba and Kangra are under a yellow alert.
Kangra also received heavy rainfall during the night, with authorities keeping a close watch on vulnerable locations.
The weather office has advised residents and tourists to exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to landslides and flash flooding.
Rain likely to continue through August 19
There is little immediate relief in sight. Rainfall is expected to continue across Himachal Pradesh until August 19, with the intensity varying from one region to another.
For August 15, a yellow warning covers Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur.
The weather is expected to turn more active again on August 17 as a strong Western Disturbance influences the state. An orange alert for very heavy rain has been issued for parts of Sirmaur, Kangra and Una for that day, while Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Solan have been placed under a yellow warning.
The orange alert will remain relevant for parts of the state on August 18 as well.
Authorities urge people to stay away from vulnerable areas
With repeated incidents of landslides and rockfalls being reported during the monsoon, residents have been advised against venturing close to rivers, streams and other water channels.
People living or travelling through landslide-prone areas have also been urged to monitor weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.
For commuters, the latest highway closure is another reminder of the risks posed by unstable slopes and falling debris in the hill state.
Himachal records 9% rainfall deficit
Despite the recent spells of heavy rain, Himachal Pradesh has received less rainfall than its seasonal average so far this monsoon.
Between June 1 and August 13, the state recorded 441.5 mm of rain, against the normal 486.2 mm for the period — a deficit of around 9%.
Hamirpur recorded one of the largest shortfalls at 49%, followed by Lahaul-Spiti at 51%, Mandi at 25%, Kangra at 17% and Bilaspur at 10%.
On the other hand, some districts have received more rain than usual. Kullu has recorded a 29% surplus, while Shimla is 25% above normal and Kinnaur 20% above the seasonal average.
With more rain forecast in the coming days, authorities are now keeping a close watch on roads, slopes, rivers and other vulnerable infrastructure across the state.
