Himachal Reels Under Torrential Rain: Roads Blocked, Schools Shut as Life Comes to a Standstill

Shimla, August 6:
A night of relentless heavy rainfall across Himachal Pradesh has once again thrown normal life into disarray. The downpour triggered landslides in several areas, blocking roads and national highways and severely affecting power and water supply. In response to the worsening conditions, several districts ordered the closure of schools, colleges, and anganwadi centers for the day. The Meteorological Department has issued a Yellow Alert for heavy rainfall across the state until August 12, urging the public to stay cautious.

The most affected districts include Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Solan, and Sirmaur. Authorities have directed all educational institutions and anganwadi centers in Solan and Sirmaur to remain shut today. Schools and colleges in various subdivisions—such as Theog, Chopal, Rampur, Sunni, Jubbal, Dodra Kwar, and Kumarsain in Shimla; Anni and Nirmand in Kullu; and Sundernagar in Mandi—were also closed as a safety measure.

According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, as of Wednesday morning, 613 roads including 4 national highways remain blocked due to landslides and flooding. Mandi district is worst hit, with 375 roads closed, followed by 89 in Kullu, 38 in Sirmaur, 29 in Solan, 23 in Kangra, 22 in Shimla, and 18 in Chamba. A major landslide at Chakki Mor in Solan has disrupted the Shimla-Chandigarh National Highway. Other highways including NH-3 and NH-21 in Mandi, NH-305 in Kullu, and NH-5 in Kinnaur have also been affected.

The relentless rain has also crippled power and water services. A total of 1,491 power transformers have been knocked out—709 in Solan, 457 in Kullu, and 301 in Mandi. Additionally, 265 drinking water schemes are non-functional, with 120 in Kangra and 86 in Mandi among the worst affected.

Rainfall data from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning shows the heaviest downpour in Kasauli (Solan) at 145 mm, followed by Dharampur (122 mm), Gohar in Mandi (120 mm), Melran (103 mm), Baggi (95 mm), Nagrota Surian (93 mm), Naina Devi (86 mm), Sundernagar (80 mm), Kangra (71 mm) and Bilaspur (70 mm).

A tragic accident also occurred late last night in Chidgaon, Shimla district, where a car skidded off the road and plunged into the Pabbar River. Three young men—identified as Vishal, Abhay, and Himanshu—lost their lives, while another person was injured.

As per official data, this monsoon season has already claimed 194 lives in Himachal. The highest toll is in Mandi (42 deaths), followed by Kangra (31); Shimla, Kullu, and Chamba (18 each); Solan (13); Hamirpur and Una (12 each); Kinnaur (11); Bilaspur (8); Lahaul-Spiti (6); and Sirmaur (5). The state has also witnessed 55 flash floods, 28 cloudbursts, and 48 major landslides to date—Mandi alone has reported 16 cloudbursts and 12 landslides.

Heavy rains have damaged 1,738 houses, of which 463 have been completely destroyed. In Mandi alone, 1,102 homes have been affected, including 387 total collapses. Additionally, 295 shops and 1,610 cattle sheds have suffered damage.

According to the State Disaster Management Authority, the total estimated loss from this season’s rainfall has reached ₹1,852 crore. This includes ₹971 crore in damages to the Public Works Department and ₹633 crore to the Jal Shakti Department. Authorities warn that losses could increase further with more rain expected in the coming days.