Persistent Rainfall disrupts life in Himachal: 46 roads blocked, power supply hit; four weather-related deaths reported
Shimla, July 2
Persistent rains continue to batter Himachal Pradesh, disrupting essential public services and causing widespread damage to infrastructure across several districts. According to the latest report issued by the State Emergency Operation Centre on Thursday morning, the number of blocked roads, power outages, and weather-related casualties has increased significantly over the past 24 hours.
The SEOC report states that 46 roads are currently blocked across the state, up from 35 roads reported on Wednesday evening. Kullu district remains the worst affected with 18 road closures, followed by Mandi district, where 13 roads remain blocked due to landslides and rain-related damage.
The power distribution network has also suffered extensive damage. A total of 181 Distribution Transformer Regions (DTRs) are currently out of service, a sharp rise from 127 disruptions reported the previous evening. Mandi district has been hit the hardest, accounting for 122 affected transformers, leaving several areas without electricity.
Drinking water supply has also been impacted, with six water supply schemes disrupted. All of these disruptions have been reported from the Jhandutta sub-division in Bilaspur district, where restoration work is underway.
The ongoing monsoon has also claimed lives. According to the cumulative seasonal data, four weather-related fatalities have been reported across the state. Kangra district recorded three deaths, including cases of electrocution, a fall, and another weather-related incident, while Mandi district reported one fatality caused by a fall.
Apart from these, two people have lost their lives in separate road accidents reported from Kinnaur and Mandi districts during the monsoon period.
The financial impact of the rains continues to mount, with total losses estimated at Rs 44.40 lakh so far this season. Mandi district has reported the highest damage at Rs 24 lakh, followed by Kangra district with losses of Rs 16 lakh.
Authorities have deployed emergency response teams and departmental staff in the affected areas to restore road connectivity, electricity, and water supply. The administration has urged residents and tourists to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel in landslide-prone areas, and follow weather advisories as rainfall is expected to continue in parts of the state.
— ANI
Reader Comments
My family is from Mandi and I'm so worried about the landslides. 122 transformers out is massive! 😟 The state government needs to step up with better disaster preparedness—leaving people without electricity and water for days is not acceptable. Our villages need permanent solutions, not just emergency repairs.
Four deaths due to weather and two more from road accidents—such tragic news! 😔 Kangra district seems to have been hit particularly hard with electrocution and falls. This monsoon is no joke. I appreciate the admin's warnings though; hope everyone stays safe and vigilant. 🙏
I was planning a trip to Kullu next week but after reading this, I'm reconsidering. 18 roads blocked there is a serious issue. 🚧 Hope the restoration work goes smoothly and the state stays safe. Will definitely follow the advisories. Stay strong, Himachal! 💪
Rs 44.40 lakh in losses seems like a small figure compared to the human suffering here. 😕 But every rupee counts for these families. I just hope the restoration teams are getting proper support—working in monsoon conditions is not easy. Kudos to the emergency response teams! 👏
The government should have a permanent disaster management system in place for these recurring monsoon issues. 🤔 46 roads blocked and 181 transformers down shows we're still reacting rather than preventing. At least the authorities are trying to restore services quickly—hope it's done soon.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.