Torrential rains trigger landslides and flash floods, shutting down 288 roads in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has been severely impacted by torrential rains over the past two days, resulting in widespread landslides and flash floods that have led to the closure of 288 roads across the state, with 150 of these closures occurring on Saturday, according to state officials.

The situation has escalated as water from overflowing streams has inundated multiple homes in Una. The Lahaul and Spiti police have issued a stern warning to residents and travelers, advising them to avoid crossing the Jahalman Nallah due to the rapidly rising water levels.

Rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate approximately 30 people who have been missing since the flash floods that occurred on July 31 in the districts of Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla. Despite extensive searches, there has been little success in finding survivors, with 28 bodies recovered so far, officials reported.

The devastating rains have claimed the lives of over 100 people in rain-related incidents, with the state suffering substantial losses amounting to approximately Rs 842 crore between June 27 and August 9, officials added.

The ongoing road closures include 96 in Mandi, 76 in Shimla, 37 in Kullu, 33 in Sirmaur, 26 in Chamba, seven in Lahaul and Spiti, five in Hamirpur, and four each in Kangra and Kinnaur. Kinnaur district has become isolated from the state capital, Shimla, due to flash floods between Pooh and Kaurik and a landslide on National Highway 5 near Negulsari.

In addition to the road blockages, the heavy rains have also disrupted 458 power supply schemes and 48 water supply systems across the state.

The regional meteorological office has issued an 'orange' alert, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, and Una. The rain is expected to be accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

The meteorological office has also cautioned about the potential for low to moderate flash floods in certain areas of Chamba, Hamirpur, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Shimla. Strong winds and waterlogging pose risks to plantations, crops, vulnerable structures, and 'kutcha' houses.

Despite the heavy rainfall, Himachal Pradesh has experienced a 28 percent rainfall deficit this monsoon, with 328.8 mm of rain recorded as of August 10, compared to the average of 455.5 mm since the monsoon began on June 1.