Himachal Pradesh News
Heavy Rain Batters Himachal Pradesh: Landslides Block Roads, Rivers Swell as IMD Issues Yellow Alert
Widespread rainfall continued to lash Himachal Pradesh, triggering landslides, road closures and rising river levels across several districts on Friday. With rainfall reaching 246% above the seasonal average, authorities have intensified monitoring in vulnerable areas as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that wet weather is likely to continue.
Widespread rainfall continued to lash Himachal Pradesh, triggering landslides, road closures and rising river levels across several districts on Friday. With rainfall reaching 246% above the seasonal average, authorities have intensified monitoring in vulnerable areas as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that wet weather is likely to continue.
The persistent rain, which began on Thursday afternoon, caused multiple disruptions in Shimla, Kullu, Sirmaur, Solan and Kinnaur districts. Although most landslides were minor, they blocked roads and affected traffic movement, creating difficulties for commuters and local residents.
Sirmaur Records Highest Rainfall
Among all districts, Sirmaur and Solan received the heaviest rainfall, with several areas recording more than 100 mm of rain within 24 hours. Nahan emerged as the wettest location in the state after receiving 158 mm of rainfall, making it one of the hardest-hit areas during the latest spell.
IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Six Districts
The India Meteorological Department has issued a Yellow Alert for Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur for Saturday. The weather department has cautioned residents about the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated places and urged people to remain alert as unstable weather conditions continue.
Landslides Damage Roads and Vehicles
In Solan district, a vehicle was struck by falling rocks and debris, leaving several people injured. Emergency teams responded quickly while officials assessed the damage.
In Kinnaur, continuous rainfall weakened the ground beneath a bridge on the Sangla–Chitkul road, raising concerns over its stability. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) declared the bridge unsafe and diverted traffic through an alternative route to ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, falling rocks were reported along the Shimla–Kalka and Theog–Rohru highways, forcing authorities to keep a close watch on traffic movement. In Shimla city, a tree was uprooted near the official residence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while a house in Sanjauli suffered damage after debris from a nearby hillside crashed into the property.
Rising River Levels Keep Authorities on Alert
Continuous rainfall also led to a steady rise in water levels across major rivers. The Sutlej River witnessed increased flow, although officials confirmed that the water level at Rampur remained below the danger mark. However, the river continued to rise rapidly near Sunni and Tatapani, prompting the administration to monitor vulnerable stretches of the Shimla–Karsog road running alongside the river.
The Beas River in Kullu district was also flowing at a higher level than usual. While officials described the situation as normal for the monsoon season, residents have been advised to avoid visiting rivers, streams and other water bodies until weather conditions improve.
Administration Urges Public to Stay Cautious
District administrations across Himachal Pradesh have appealed to residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in landslide-prone areas. Officials are continuously monitoring weather conditions, road connectivity and river levels to ensure timely action in case of any emergency.
With more rainfall expected over the coming days, authorities have urged people to follow weather advisories and cooperate with local administration for their safety.
