Torrential rains unleash chaos in Himachal
Torrential rains have battered the serene landscape of Himachal Pradesh, triggering landslides and floods that have disrupted the very heartbeat of the region. The ceaseless rainfall has cut off essential services, leaving many without water and access to roads. An overwhelming number of routes—135 in total—have been wiped out, disconnecting communities and halting daily life. The storm has also extinguished 44 electrical and 67 water supply schemes, plunging parts of the state into darkness and thirst. Meteorologists have issued an orange alert, signaling the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall, complete with thunderstorms and lightning, until August 16th, followed by a yellow warning, indicating a need for continued vigilance.
Nahan, has been soaked with 169 mm of rainfall since Friday night, with Sandhole enduring 106 mm. Other regions, including Nagrota Suriyan and Jubberhatti, have also experienced substantial downpours. The Meteorological Department has cautioned against a moderate risk of flash floods in isolated areas of Mandi, Sirmaur, Shimla, and Kullu until the dawn of Sunday.
In Kullu district, 37 road routes have been affected. Among these, the most impacted are in Nirmand subdivision with 38 roads, Banjar with 6 roads, and Kullu subdivision with 3 roads where traffic has come to a halt. These roads have been damaged due to heavy rainfall.
In Mandi district, 29 road routes are disrupted for traffic. The most damage in this area has occurred in the Dharampur subdivision, where 9 road routes are affected. Additionally, 7 roads in Siraj, 4 in Paddhar, 4 in Sarkaghat, 3 in Thalaut, and 2 in Joginder Nagar have been impacted by the rain. Besides this, in Shimla, 17 roads, a bridge and 4 road routes in Kangra, 4 in Kinnaur, and 1 in Lahaul-Spiti are also blocked for traffic.
In the wake of these warnings, the Deputy Commissioner of Hamirpur has advised the public to avoid water bodies and refrain from seeking shelter under trees during inclement weather. The state is in mourning, having lost over a hundred lives to the monsoon’s fury and incurring losses of around Rs 845 crores from June 27 till date, reflecting the relentless power of nature and the enduring spirit of its people.
Navigating NH-5 in Nigulsari, located in the tribal district of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh, has become challenging. Due to the Torrential rains persistent landslides from the surrounding hills have compelled thousands to undertake perilous journeys. The highway was reopened to traffic on Saturday afternoon around 3:30 pm, after being closed for approximately 18 hours, providing a much-needed respite to travelers. It’s important to highlight that the frequent blockages of this vital highway have left civilians, including military personnel, to traverse in hazardous conditions. Additionally, tourists drawn to the scenic beauty of Kinnaur’s valleys are also encountering difficulties due to these disruptions.
