Drenched and Disconnected: Himachal Struggles as Monsoon Leaves Behind a Trail of Destruction

What began as a seasonal monsoon has turned into a nightmare for Himachal Pradesh. As the rains begin to retreat, nature’s fury has only intensified—leaving behind flooded fields, broken bridges, and communities cut off from the world. Rivers have breached danger levels, landslides have torn through hillsides, and floodwaters have entered homes, displacing families and disrupting lives.

The month of August alone brought 70% more rainfall than normal, with 428.8 mm recorded across the state. Every district has been affected, with Kullu, Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Una seeing rainfall far above their seasonal averages. Roads have vanished, villages are isolated, and the damage is overwhelming.

Rainfall Records Shattered Across the State

Districts like Kullu received 163% more rain than usual, while Una saw a staggering 790.9 mm, 118% above normal. From tribal regions like Kinnaur to urban centers like Shimla, the story is the same—too much rain, too fast, and too widespread.

More Rain Ahead: Alerts Issued

The Meteorological Department has issued orange alerts for Una, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Yellow alerts are in place for Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Shimla, Solan, and Lahaul-Spiti. The next few days could bring more rain, especially in mid and high-altitude areas.

Last 24 Hours: Monsoon Hits Hard

In just the past day, Chohadi in Chamba recorded 100 mm of rain, with other areas like Jogindernagar, Dharamshala, Shimla, and Palampur also seeing significant downpours. The monsoon’s grip remains strong, and the state continues to brace for more.