Shimla, India: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange advisory for severe to very heavy rain in the districts of Una, Bilaspur, and Kangra over the next several days. This is because heavy rains are still falling in Himachal Pradesh. The nonstop rain has caused a lot of problems, and on Monday, 266 routes across the state were closed.
The State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) said that Mandi, where 155 highways are closed, and Kullu, where 68 routes are blocked, are the worst-hit districts. Landslides and debris have made the important Aut to Sainj National Highway 305 impassable. A recent landslide at Panthaghati in Shimla blocked the Mehli-Shogi bypass, damaging surrounding stores and making traffic much worse.
The state has lost an estimated ₹1,714 crore since the monsoon started on June 20. The human toll has also been high, with 106 people killed and 36 still missing in rain-related events like flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides. The SEOC’s data shows that the state has had 54 flash floods, 28 cloudbursts, and 48 big landslides thus far.
The torrential rains have also stopped important services from working. As of Monday, 41 transformers that distribute power and 282 water supply systems were damaged. According to Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, around 95 water supply systems have been fixed for the time being. However, the total damage to water and irrigation infrastructure is thought to cost more than ₹536 crore.
Authorities are working hard to restore connectivity and basic services, but the excessive rain is making it harder for them to do so. Residents and visitors have been told to be careful and not travel to the impacted areas unless it is absolutely necessary.