Heavy rainfall impacts roads, power supply, and water supply systems in Himachal Pradesh, with 399 roads, 704 power lines, and 178 water schemes disrupted.
Monsoon Havoc Continues in Himachal Pradesh
Heavy rainfall has caused severe disruptions in Himachal Pradesh, affecting transportation, power, and water infrastructure. The most affected regions include Mandi, Kullu, and Una districts.
The ongoing monsoon season has seen recurrent heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly from August 10 to 14, with severe alerts issued for several districts. As a result, numerous roads have been blocked or damaged, including over 325 roads and at least two national highways, along with multiple bridges being washed away. The NH-305 at Jhed (Khanag) in Kullu district is among the closed roads due to a landslide.
The electricity infrastructure has also suffered extensive harm, with the dam of the Malana Power Project in Kullu being heavily damaged. Over 704 electricity distribution transformers (DTRs) are down, and 300 disrupted power lines in Mandi district alone.
Water supply schemes have been disrupted due to floods and landslides, contributing to hardship in affected communities. As many as 178 water supply schemes are affected.
The human toll of the monsoon season is significant. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reports that the ongoing monsoon havoc has claimed 208 lives this season. Over 112 lives were lost in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and house collapses. Tragically, 96 lives were lost in road accidents.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh warning of continued rainfall activity in Himachal Pradesh. The SDMA has urged residents to remain cautious and avoid travel, especially in landslide-prone areas.
Despite the challenges, emergency services and restoration efforts are ongoing across the state. Restoration work is underway in all affected districts, but heavy rains continue to hamper efforts.
The situation in Kullu is currently normal as per the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). However, a cloudburst was reported in the Sharod Nala area of Kullu on Friday. An Orange Alert has been issued for August 11 and 12 in three districts, and a Yellow Alert for the remaining districts.
The Chief Minister of the state has engaged with the central government to seek aid and land for rehabilitation of displaced people, reflecting the magnitude of the disaster. Damage estimates so far are around ₹2,000 crore due to the ongoing weather events, with over 2,000 houses partially or fully damaged.
The SDMA continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents are advised to stay safe and follow all safety guidelines during this challenging time.
- The severe disruptions in Himachal Pradesh, including infrastructure damage, have led to a need for immediate policy-and-legislation updates in environmental-science and weather-forecasting to mitigate future climate-change impacts on the region.
- The ongoing monsoon havoc in Himachal Pradesh has been extensively reported in general-news outlets, shedding light on the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the challenges posed by this season's heavy rains.
- The devastating consequences of the ongoing monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh highlight the critical role of science and politics in managing climate-change impacts and supporting affected communities with necessary resources.
- As the monsoon season continues in Himachal Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other scientific institutions will play a crucial role in providing accurate weather forecasts and advice to aid in the prevention of further environmental damage and loss of life.
