Torrential rain lashes Himachal Pradesh: Urgent warnings for Shimla and Mandi; Chandigarh-Manali road inundated
Heavy Monsoon Rains and Cloudbursts Cause Chaos in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is currently grappling with intense monsoon activity, with multiple cloudbursts and heavy rainfall warnings across several districts. The situation is critical, as infrastructure faces significant challenges and monsoon hazards are expected to continue through mid-August.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh, effective from August 11 to August 14. This warning comes with potential impacts such as landslides, road and rail disruptions, power outages, and waterlogging.
Recent cloudbursts have occurred in Kullu district, where the situation is reported as normal with no loss of life, but water levels in nearby nullahs have risen. A massive cloudburst on August 6 triggered flash floods in Kinnaur district, causing damage to bridges and pilgrim routes along the Kinner Kailash Yatra. Districts repeatedly affected by cloudbursts, heavy rain, and floods include Kinnaur, Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, and Shimla.
As of mid-August, the state has received 13% more rainfall than the seasonal average. Infrastructure is heavily affected, with over 357 to 360 roads blocked statewide, including 212 in Mandi and 92 in Kullu. 599 to 667 power distribution transformers are out of service, and over 600 water supply schemes have been disrupted, with Kullu accounting for 367 affected water schemes.
The scale and intensity of these events are attributed to climate change and unusually high temperatures this year, causing rapid rise of hot moist air and torrential rainfall in short periods. For example, up to 100 mm of rainfall has been recorded in an hour.
Authorities warn of continued intense monsoon activity, especially in Kinnaur and neighboring districts, with related risks of flash floods and landslides. Vehicles are navigating cautiously through the partially flooded tunnel on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, which has been disrupted due to water entering a tunnel near Mandi.
The IMD reported that rainfall in Himachal Pradesh during August so far is 35% above normal. In Kullu alone, 117 roads are blocked, while Mandi reported 108 disrupted water schemes and 228 damaged power transformers. Chamba, Una, Bilaspur, and Kangra districts have also recorded 40% more rainfall than usual.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) under the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported the disruptions as of Wednesday evening. A Yellow Alert has been issued for Kangra, Una, and Sirmaur districts.
Residents and authorities remain on high alert to manage risks from flash floods, landslides, and other monsoon-related disasters. The current situation in Himachal Pradesh is critical with active cloudbursts and heavy rain warnings across several key districts, significant infrastructure challenges, and ongoing monsoon hazards expected through mid-August 2025.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is closely monitoring the weather in Himachal Pradesh, particularly as heavy rainfall and cloudbursts have caused significant infrastructure issues and pose a risk of landslides, road and rail disruptions, power outages, and waterlogging. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the IMD continues to forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas of India, including Himachal Pradesh, indicating that cricket enthusiasts may need to keep an eye on match schedules due to potential match cancellations or delays.
