Monsoon Chaos in Himachal Pradesh: 238 Roads Blocked, More Rain Forecast

Shimla: Relentless monsoon rains continue to disrupt life across Himachal Pradesh, with the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) reporting 74 deaths and 37 missing individuals due to rain-related incidents since June 20. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in 10 districts Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Una, and Kullu through July 9, raising concerns about further flash floods and landslides.

The SEOC stated that 238 roads, including 161 in Mandi, 34 in Shimla, 28 in Kullu, and 15 in Sirmaur, are currently closed due to the ongoing deluge. Additionally, 419 power transformers and 155 water supply schemes have been affected, exacerbating challenges for residents. In Mandi’s Thunag subdivision, rescue operations are ongoing for 29 missing individuals following a cloudburst, with one additional body recently recovered, bringing the district’s death toll to 14.

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Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has been in direct communication with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who assured central assistance for relief efforts not only in Himachal Pradesh but also in other monsoon-affected states like Gujarat and Rajasthan. The IMD’s orange alert underscores the urgency of preparedness as the state grapples with the monsoon’s destructive impact.