Torrential Rain Lashes Himachal Amid Orange Alert; Mandi Records 152 mm Rainfall Overnight

Shimla, August 5:
Under the ongoing orange alert issued by the Meteorological Department, Himachal Pradesh witnessed heavy downpours on Tuesday, severely disrupting normal life—particularly in Mandi district. Several rivers and streams are in spate, prompting authorities to urge the public to remain cautious and avoid water bodies.

In response to heavy rainfall, the SDM of Sundernagar subdivision in Mandi declared a holiday on Tuesday for Government Senior Secondary School Ghiri, Primary School Thamari, and Kharloh. However, teachers and staff were instructed to report for duty.

According to the Met Department, Mandi received the highest rainfall in the state with 151 mm recorded between Monday night and Tuesday morning. Other notable figures include 104 mm in Baggi, 84 mm in Sundernagar, and 83 mm in Murari Devi. Yellow alerts remain in place for Mandi, Hamirpur, and Sirmaur districts, while Una, Bilaspur, and Kangra are under an orange alert for continued heavy rainfall. Forecasts suggest the possibility of more intense rain in the coming days across various regions.

The State Emergency Operation Center reports that four national highways and 449 roads across Himachal are currently blocked due to landslides and rain-induced damage. In Mandi alone, traffic has been disrupted on 318 roads, including three national highways:

• NH-21 (Mandi to Kullu) near Nau Mile

• NH-003 (Mandi to Dharampur) at Kanchi Mod

• NH-154 (Mandi to Jogindernagar) near Mahila Thana
  Additionally, NH-305 in Kullu district has also been closed.

Infrastructure damage continues to mount, with 783 power transformers and 276 drinking water schemes affected statewide. The Gohar area of Mandi district alone has seen 547 transformers shut down, impacting electricity supply. Drinking water systems have failed in 120 locations in Kangra, 68 in Kullu, 86 in Mandi, and 49 in Chamba.

Tragically, the monsoon toll in the state has reached 192 fatalities. Mandi has suffered the highest number of deaths at 42, followed by Kangra (30), and 18 each in Shimla, Kullu, and Chamba. Solan has reported 13 deaths, Hamirpur 12, Una and Kinnaur 11 each, Bilaspur 8, Lahaul-Spiti 6, and Sirmaur 5.

In terms of property damage, 1,692 houses have been affected across Himachal, of which 464 have been completely destroyed. Mandi alone accounts for damage to 1,089 homes—including 391 total collapses. In addition, 298 shops and 1,524 cattle sheds have been damaged.

The total estimated losses across the state have reached ₹1,753 crore. The Public Works Department (PWD) has suffered damages worth ₹888 crore, while the Jal Shakti Department has reported losses of ₹618 crore.

Given the continuing risk of landslides and intense rain, the State Emergency Operation Center has issued an appeal for the public to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas.