Himachal Pradesh rains wreak havoc: Landslides, highway closures and over 200 deaths this monsoon
PTC Web Desk: Heavy rains continue to batter Himachal Pradesh, with fresh landslides and flooding reported on Friday in Kullu and Mandi districts. In a striking incident, water accumulated inside the Hanogi Tunnel due to a landslide blocked drain, creating a pond-like situation and leaving vehicles partially submerged.
Multiple landslides have disrupted road connectivity across the state, with the Chandigarh–Manali National Highway shut at several points. Teams from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are working round-the-clock to restore traffic movement.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Una, Kangra, and Sirmaur districts for Saturday, warning of heavy rainfall at isolated places. On Sunday, five districts will be under yellow alert, followed by an orange alert for three districts on Monday. The authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.
Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has recorded 202 deaths, including 32 fatalities caused by floods, cloudbursts, and landslides. Thirty-six persons remain missing, while road accidents have claimed 94 lives during this period.
The state has suffered an estimated Rs 1,952 crore in damages to public and private property. According to official data: 477 houses have been completely destroyed; 1,413 houses have sustained partial damage and 293 shops, 1,772 cowsheds, and 23 ghats have been damaged. At least 25,755 livestock animals have died in the monsoon season.
Administration on high alert
Rescue teams, machinery, and disaster management units are stationed in vulnerable areas. The administration has also designated nodal officers to coordinate relief efforts and provide assistance to affected residents.
- With inputs from agencies
