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Key Points

Heavy rain continues to batter Himachal Pradesh, blocking 822 roads and three national highways. The state has seen 1,236 distribution transformers disrupted and 424 water supply schemes affected. Weather experts warn that western disturbance-monsoon interaction may worsen flooding in coming days. Chief Minister Sukhu noted this year's destruction exceeds 2023 levels despite fewer human casualties due to pre-emptive measures.

Key Points: Himachal Pradesh Heavy Rain Blocks 822 Roads Three Highways

  • 822 roads and three national highways blocked across rain-battered Himachal Pradesh
  • 1,236 distribution transformers disrupted affecting power supply statewide
  • Western disturbance-monsoon axis interaction may worsen flood situation
  • 166 monsoon-related deaths reported in Himachal from June 20 to August 30
2 min read

Himachal again battered by heavy rain; 822 roads, three highways blocked

Himachal Pradesh battered by heavy rain with 822 roads and three national highways blocked, 1,236 transformers disrupted, and 166 monsoon-related deaths reported since June.

"The scale of destruction by monsoon rains this time is much higher compared to 2023 - Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, Aug 31

With rain-battered Himachal Pradesh again witnessing heavy to very heavy rain, 822 roads and three national highways were blocked on Sunday, impacting hundreds of stranded motorists.

Besides, 1,236 distribution transformers remained disrupted after torrential rain continued to wreak havoc across Himachal Pradesh.

Weather experts said a massive western disturbance-monsoon axis interaction unfolding over north India for three days starting on Sunday may worsen the flood situation in many areas of the hill state and plains of neighbouring Punjab, which is worst hit by floods. Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal has said the state has been facing the worst floods in 37 years.

According to the Himachal’s Emergency Operation Centre, 253 roads are blocked in Chamba, the worst-hit district; followed by Mandi with 207 roads shut, including the National Highway 3; 176 roads, including the National Highway 305, in Kullu district; 61 roads in Kangra district; 39 in Shimla district; and 11 roads blocked in Lahaul and Spiti district, including the National Highway 5.

Out of the total 1,236 distribution transformers, 357 are disrupted in Kullu, 330 in Una, 296 in Chamba, 117 in Mandi, 51 in Solan, 11 in Kinnaur, nine in Lahaul and Spiti, three in Shimla and two in Kangra. Likewise, 424 water supply schemes, including 212 in Kangra, 77 in Chamba, 56 in Mandi, 39 in Kullu, 32 in Shimla and four each in Solan and Hamirpur districts, also remain disrupted, affecting the water supply in many areas of the state.

A total of 166 people lost their lives in Himachal Pradesh in monsoon-related disasters from June 20 to August 30.

The scale of destruction by monsoon rains this time is much higher compared to 2023, said Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday. He conducted an aerial survey of Bharmour, Manimahesh and other disaster-affected areas of Chamba district, besides Fatehpur and Mand area of Indora in Kangra district that were hit with the excess release of water from the Pong dam. He said that due to pre-emptive measures of the government, the loss of human lives this time is comparatively less than the devastation that occurred in 2023.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Climate change is hitting Himachal hard. We used to have pleasant monsoons, now it's just destruction every year. Need better infrastructure planning for these extreme weather events.
A
Arjun K
Had to cancel our Shimla trip this weekend. Roads are completely blocked. Tourists should avoid traveling to Himachal until situation improves. Safety first!
S
Sarah B
The numbers are staggering - 822 roads blocked! How are emergency services reaching people? Hope the army and NDRF are deployed adequately.
V
Vikram M
While I appreciate the CM's efforts, the scale of disruption shows we need permanent solutions, not just disaster management. Better drainage, stronger infrastructure, and controlled construction in vulnerable areas.
M
Michael C
The impact on water supply schemes is concerning. No electricity is one thing, but no drinking water is a humanitarian crisis. Hope relief reaches everyone quickly.
K
Kavya N
My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones. 166 lives is too many. Government should compensate affected families properly and focus on rebuilding stronger.

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