Himachal Battles Rains: 842 Roads & Three National Highways Cut Off, Rivers Swell and Communities Brace for Relief

The people of Himachal Pradesh continue to face relentless rainfall, with the skies showing no signs of clearing until September 2, according to the Meteorological Department. As heavy showers lash the region, authorities are urging residents to stay away from rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas for their safety. The good news? Relief is expected after September 2, with clearer weather likely to return to most parts of the state.

Rain Alerts Keep Residents on Edge

Rain continues to pour across the state today. The weather department has issued an orange alert for Chamba, Kullu, and Kangra, warning of intense downpours. Meanwhile, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur are under a yellow alert. Although five districts may see some respite, light to moderate rain is still expected in the lower plains.

Roads in Ruin, Connectivity Severed

The recent spell of heavy rain has left Himachal’s infrastructure in tatters. Landslides have blocked roads, isolating entire communities. As of now, 842 roads, including three national highways, remain closed. The Public Works Department is working tirelessly to restore access, but the damage is extensive. In Mandi, the Chandigarh-Manali highway is repeatedly shut due to ongoing landslides, and many other roads are in a similar state of disrepair.

Floods Threaten Lower Regions

Rising water levels in rivers like the Beas and Ravi are causing havoc. Upper regions are grappling with soil erosion, while lower areas face flooding and waterlogging. In Kangra, water released from the Pong Dam has inundated Fatehpur and Indora, turning homes, fields, and roads into waterlogged zones. Rescue teams, including the NDRF, are actively evacuating affected residents. With water levels rising in streams across the state, officials are pleading with people to stay away from riverbanks and flood-prone zones.