Nature’s Fury Unleashed: Himachal Battles Landslides, Floods, and Isolation Amid Relentless Rains
Himachal Pradesh woke up to devastation on Monday as torrential overnight rains triggered landslides, flash floods, and widespread disruption across the state. With roads blocked, power lines down, and water supply systems crippled, life came to a grinding halt in districts like Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba.
Over 600 roads, including three national highways, were rendered impassable. More than 1,500 electricity transformers and 168 water schemes were knocked out, leaving thousands in the dark and without clean water.
Schools Shut, Devotion Unshaken
In a bid to ensure safety, schools and ITIs across several districts—including Kangra, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Solan—remained closed. Teachers struggled to reach campuses, navigating blocked roads and landslide-prone areas. Yet, in a testament to faith, the Mani Mahesh Yatra continued, with devotees braving the downpour.
Landslides Threaten Homes and Lives
A multi-storey building in Panjri, Tutikandi, teeters on the edge due to a nearby landslide, sparking fears of collapse. In Bilaspur, the Kiratpur-Manali highway was briefly restored only to be blocked again. A private Volvo bus en route to Baijnath was hit by falling stones, injuring five passengers and shattering windows.
Elsewhere, parked vehicles and homes bore the brunt of shifting earth, with damage reported across multiple districts.
Snowfall Adds to Isolation
High-altitude passes like Shinkula, Baralacha, and Rohtang received fresh snowfall, cutting off key routes and isolating remote regions. The Darcha-Shinkula-Padam road is now closed, adding to the logistical nightmare.
Red Alert Extended
The Meteorological Department has extended a red alert for heavy rainfall in Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi till August 31, with varying alerts for other districts. Authorities remain on high alert as the weather continues to pose threats.
Monsoon’s Grim Toll
Since June 20, the monsoon has claimed 303 lives, injured 360, and left 37 missing. Road accidents alone account for 148 deaths. Natural disasters have damaged 3,556 homes and shops, destroyed 2,766 cowsheds, and killed 1,833 domestic animals—resulting in an estimated loss of ₹2,34,862 lakh.
