Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), June 29: Relentless rainfall over the past 24 hours has wreaked havoc across Himachal Pradesh, leading to widespread landslides, flash floods, waterlogging, and transport disruptions. Since June 20, 34 people have died due to weather-related incidents and accidents, state officials confirmed.
Jagat Singh Negi, Minister for Revenue, Tribal Development, and Horticulture, said 17 of the reported deaths were directly caused by rain-triggered events, while the other 17 occurred in road accidents exacerbated by poor weather conditions.
“Nine people were swept away in a flash flood in Dharamshala. Six bodies were recovered yesterday, and one more today, with one person still missing,” Negi told ANI.
Disruption Across Districts
In Nalagarh, areas near the Chakki and Jo bridges were severely waterlogged, and rainwater entered homes in Baddi. The situation has reportedly improved.
National Highway-5 was temporarily closed near Chakki Modh due to debris but has been reopened for single-lane traffic. Restoration of the four-lane route is still underway.
Shimla also experienced minor landslides in Kalini, Mahali, and Dhalli bypass areas, although no major damage was reported. However, Solan district witnessed significant disruption, with floodwaters entering residential areas and a brief closure of the Parwanoo–Solan section of NH-5 due to mudslides.
The historic Kalka–Shimla railway line was blocked by fallen trees and boulders in Solan. Services were suspended but have since resumed after clearance efforts.
Emergency Response Underway
Minister Negi confirmed that damaged power transformers, water supply systems, and digital transmission infrastructure are being restored urgently.
He added that a high-level review meeting is scheduled for Monday, involving departments such as Revenue, PWD, Jal Shakti, Disaster Management, and Power to evaluate monsoon readiness and ongoing restoration work.
“All disaster management authorities, police, and field officers are on high alert following IMD’s forecast of continued heavy rainfall,” he stated.
River Alert and Safety Measures
Authorities have issued warnings for low-lying areas as water levels in the Sutlej and Beas rivers have crossed danger marks. The state government has instructed ground teams to remain vigilant and respond promptly to emergencies.
With more rain expected in the coming days, residents are urged to follow advisories and stay away from riverbanks and landslide-prone areas.