Himachal Pradesh: 375 Roads Still Blocked, Fresh Rainfall Likely From September 24

Traffic remained disrupted across several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, with nearly 375 roads — including two national highways — still blocked due to heavy rainfall and landslides. Fresh showers are expected to return to the state from September 24, according to the meteorological department, though conditions are likely to remain dry until September 23.

In Palampur, Kangra district, a stretch of road was damaged after a portion of land caved in, officials said.

Data from the State Emergency Operations Centre showed Mandi to be the worst affected, with 128 roads blocked, followed by Kullu (110), Kangra (34), Shimla (25), Chamba (17), Bilaspur and Una (14 each), Solan (13), Sirmaur (10), Hamirpur (6), and Kinnaur (4).

The state has also reported disruptions to 145 water supply schemes, of which 83 are in Mandi, 27 in Shimla, 11 in Chamba, nine each in Hamirpur and Kangra, and six in Solan — leaving many areas with limited access to drinking water.

Power supply has been hit as well, with 43 transformers out of service. Chamba reported the highest number at 17, followed by Kullu (12), Mandi (11), and Shimla (3).

Light rain was recorded in some parts of the state over the past 24 hours, with Una’s Bharwain receiving the highest at 30 mm, followed by Kangra (21.5 mm), Dharamshala (11.8 mm), Paonta Sahib (8.8 mm), Palampur (5.4 mm), and Kalpa (2.8 mm). Most other regions, however, remained dry.

The weather office has forecast a rise of 2–3°C in maximum temperatures until September 23, while minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal.