Himachal Hit by Monsoon Mayhem: Over 100 Roads Closed, Flash Flood Alert Issued in 8 Districts

Shimla: Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh led to the closure of 109 roads, including National Highway 707, on Monday, as reported by the state emergency operation centre (SEOC). The local meteorological office has issued a warning for flash floods in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Kullu, and Kinnaur until Tuesday. 

Yellow Alert Issued 

Moreover, a 'yellow' alert has been announced for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning at isolated locations across the state during the same period.

Among the closed roads, National Highway 707 remains blocked between Hatkoti in the Shimla district and Poanta Sahib in Sirmaur district. Sirmaur saw the highest number of road closures with 55, followed by Shimla with 23, Mandi and Kangra with 10 each, Kullu with nine, and one road each in Lahaul and Spiti and Una districts, according to the SEOC.

Power Supply Affected 

Power supply has also been severely affected, with 427 schemes disrupted across the state. In the past 24 hours, heavy rainfall was recorded in parts of Sirmaur, Bilaspur, and Mandi districts, while several other areas experienced moderate rainfall. Nahan in the Sirmaur district recorded the highest rainfall at 143.5 mm, followed by Naina Devi with 130 mm, and other areas including Pachhad, Poanta Sahib, Dhaulakuan, and Sundernagar also received significant rainfall.

23 Percent Rainfall Deficit

Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, Himachal Pradesh has seen a 23 per cent rainfall deficit, receiving only 482.1 mm of rain compared to the average of 623.9 mm. The impact of the heavy rains has been devastating, with 151 lives lost in rain-related incidents this year, and the state has suffered estimated losses amounting to ₹1,265 crore. Out of the 12 revenue districts in the state, 11 recorded a rainfall deficit, with Shimla being the only district to receive 10 per cent excess rainfall.