Himachal Pradesh News
Chamba Rains Trigger Landslides, Damage Homes and Cut Off Key Roads Across District
The first spell of the southwest monsoon unleashed widespread destruction across Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district on Wednesday, causing landslides, flooding homes, damaging farmlands, and disrupting transportation in several regions.
The first spell of the southwest monsoon unleashed widespread destruction across Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district on Wednesday, causing landslides, flooding homes, damaging farmlands, and disrupting transportation in several regions.
Heavy rainfall that began early in the morning severely affected the Salooni and Churah subdivisions, where multiple landslides blocked roads and hampered daily life. Several important routes, including the Chamba–Salooni–Himgiri Road, the Salooni–Dand Road, and portions of the Chamba–Tissa highway, were temporarily closed due to debris and rising water levels.
Commuters, office-goers, and schoolchildren faced significant inconvenience as bus services remained suspended and traffic movement was interrupted at multiple locations.
Chamba-Tissa Highway Reopened After Temporary Closure
Traffic on the Chamba–Tissa highway remained suspended during the morning hours near Pangola Nallah after overflowing water carried mud and debris onto the road. Authorities managed to reopen the route later in the day as weather conditions improved and clearance operations progressed.
In the tribal Pangi subdivision, a major landslide blocked the Sach–Sechu road, affecting connectivity in the remote region.
Houses Damaged in Salooni as Debris Enters Residential Areas
Two houses in Lanot Gram Panchayat under Salooni subdivision suffered extensive damage after rainwater and debris entered the structures.
Residents reported that heavy runoff carried large quantities of mud downhill, which accumulated on rooftops before eventually flowing inside homes. Household belongings and portions of the buildings were damaged, forcing families to move to safer locations.
Despite efforts by locals to divert the flow of water and debris, the intensity of the rainfall made it difficult for residents to remain indoors safely.
Farmers Face Crop Losses Amid Flooding
The heavy rains also affected agricultural activities in the district. A shop in Dhutta village was flooded, resulting in damage to stored goods.
Farmers across several villages reported losses to crops and orchards as floodwater and silt entered cultivated fields. Concerns are growing among local communities about the economic impact of the early monsoon spell.
Lanot Gram Panchayat Pradhan Des Raj visited the affected families and appealed to the administration to provide immediate financial assistance to those who suffered losses.
Administration Begins Damage Assessment
Salooni Tehsildar Abhiraj Singh Thakur said local officials have been instructed to conduct a detailed assessment of the damage.
He stated that reports of rain-related destruction are also being received from other parts of the district and that authorities are compiling data to ensure timely government relief for affected families.
Meanwhile, officials from the Public Works Department launched restoration work immediately after the rainfall subsided. While some roads were reopened by the afternoon, others were cleared and restored by evening.
Authorities have advised residents and travellers to remain cautious during the ongoing monsoon season, warning that hilly regions continue to face a high risk of landslides, falling rocks, and flash floods.
