Himachal weather: Flash floods, landslides, road blockades and school closures reported across Kullu, Kangra, Shimla and Una

PTC Web Desk: Himachal Pradesh has been battered by heavy overnight rainfall, triggering flash floods, landslides and widespread damage across several districts. From Una to Kullu, Kangra to Shimla, the state has been reeling under severe weather conditions, with the Meteorological Department warning that the situation may persist for at least the next five days.

In Una district, torrential rains led to severe waterlogging in Gagret and Amb Assembly segments, flooding hundreds of homes and shops with water and debris. The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Una has ordered the closure of all educational institutions in Amb and Gagret subdivisions for the day. Similarly, the DC of Kullu declared a holiday in schools and colleges across Manali and Banjar subdivisions.

Kullu witnessed major destruction in Shastri Nagar and Gandhi Nagar where flash floods left several vehicles, including cars and bikes, buried under debris. Homes and commercial establishments were inundated with mud and silt, adding to the woes of local residents.

In Kangra district, Dharamsala, McLeodganj and surrounding areas were lashed by moderate to heavy rains since early Wednesday morning. A massive landslide struck the Dharamsala–McLeodganj Khada Danda road near the Tibetan Government-in-Exile’s Delek Hospital, halting traffic completely. The Dharamsala-McLeodganj bypass road, already closed for heavy vehicles due to earlier subsidence, remains out of service. On National Highway-503 near Dhaliara, three shops sustained extensive damage, while in Nurpur subdivision, incessant rains caused a partial house collapse in Charudi village.

Landslides have also blocked multiple key roads. The Baijnath-Deol road became impassable, while the Barot-Ghatasani main road linking Chhota Bhangal with Chauhar valley was blocked at Shilhaswad after a massive tree fall. Though the route was later cleared using heavy machinery, it remains vulnerable. The Multhan-Lohardi road, reopened after several hours, continues to face a landslide risk.

In Indora subdivision of Kangra, at least 17 panchayats are facing flood-like conditions following the release of water from the Pong Dam and swelling of the Beas river. As a precaution, the district administration has ordered the closure of all schools and anganwadi centres till August 22.

In Shimla, at least 40 residents were evacuated after a major landslide struck near Ram Chandra Chowk late Monday night, uprooting trees and sending down mounds of debris. While no casualties were reported, homes near the forest road, including those occupied by state Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani and MLAs Ashish Butail and Ram Kumar—were vacated as a precautionary measure. Electricity supply in the area was disrupted but later restored. The SDM (Urban), Devi Chand, said the fragile strata of the site posed further risks, and the area remains under observation.

Meanwhile, vehicular movement on the Chandigarh-Manali four-lane highway has been severely affected with landslides reported at multiple points, including Aut, Jogni Mod, Dayod and Dawada, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded for hours.

The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Una, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts, warning of heavy rainfall at isolated places. Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety advisories issued by the district administrations.