Fresh Orange Rain Alert for Himachal as Landslides, Highway Blockages Raise Concerns
Himachal Pradesh is bracing for another round of intense monsoon activity, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the state over the coming days. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued an Orange Alert for Kangra and Sirmaur districts, cautioning residents about the possibility of landslides, flash floods, falling rocks, and disruptions to transportation and daily life.
According to the weather department, unstable weather conditions are expected to persist for the next six days. While Kangra and Sirmaur face the highest level of alert, a Yellow Alert has also been issued for Bilaspur, Mandi, and Solan districts, where heavy rainfall is likely to impact vulnerable areas.
The warning comes at a time when the state is already grappling with the challenges of a difficult monsoon season.
Rockfall Disrupts Traffic on Kiratpur-Manali Highway
The impact of the weather was evident on Sunday when traffic on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway came to a standstill after rocks tumbled onto the road near Mehla in Bilaspur district.
The affected section beyond Mandi-Bharari Chowk was closed around 1 pm and remained blocked for nearly six and a half hours. Restoration work continued through the afternoon before authorities finally reopened the highway at about 7:30 pm. Long queues of vehicles formed on both sides of the road as commuters waited for traffic to resume.
To ease the situation, police diverted vehicles through alternative routes. Travellers heading towards Chandigarh from Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kullu, and Manali were routed via Mandi-Bharari Bridge, Nauni Chowk, Swarghat, and the old NH-205. Vehicles coming from Chandigarh towards the hill districts were similarly diverted through Swarghat and Nauni Chowk.
Landslides Continue to Affect Rural Connectivity
In another setback, the Bagipul-Jaon road in Rampur subdivision remained closed due to landslides. The blockage has disrupted connectivity to three panchayats in the Nirmand area, highlighting the continuing vulnerability of remote regions during the monsoon season.
Authorities are closely monitoring affected roads and have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel in landslide-prone zones, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
Precautionary Measures Taken
With more rain forecast, officials have begun taking preventive measures. NCC camps for school students, scheduled to commence on August 18, have been cancelled as a safety precaution amid fears of landslides and adverse weather conditions.
The weather also affected air travel. A SpiceJet flight from Delhi to Kangra’s Gaggal Airport was cancelled on Sunday after light drizzle and unfavourable weather conditions were reported in the area.
Monsoon Toll Continues to Rise
The latest weather alert adds to the concerns of a state already dealing with significant monsoon-related losses. According to official estimates, Himachal Pradesh has suffered damages worth around ₹835 crore during the current monsoon season. The relentless rains, landslides, and related incidents have also claimed 66 lives so far.
As another spell of heavy rain approaches, authorities are urging people to stay updated on weather advisories, avoid travelling through vulnerable stretches during intense rainfall, and remain alert to changing conditions. With the monsoon showing little sign of weakening, the coming days are likely to test the state’s preparedness once again.
