Himachal Pradesh Faces Road Closures and Water Disruptions Amid Torrential Rains

Ongoing heavy rains have led to landslides and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh, closing 128 roads and disrupting 44 power and 67 water supply schemes. The Met office has issued warnings for heavy rainfall. Over 100 people have lost their lives, and the state has incurred significant financial losses.

At least 128 roads have been closed in Himachal Pradesh following landslides and flash floods triggered by persistent rainfall, according to the Met office's statement on Friday.

The regional Met office has issued an 'orange' warning for extremely heavy and violent rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated spots on Saturday. Additionally, a 'yellow' warning for heavy rain is in place until August 15.

Flash floods might strike parts of Mandi, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, and Kullu districts through Saturday, the weather agency has cautioned.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in isolated areas of Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts on Saturday. The weather department has also warned of potential damage to plantations, crops, vulnerable structures, and kutcha houses due to strong winds and waterlogging, particularly in low-lying regions.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, Mandi accounts for 60 closed roads, Kullu has 37, Shimla has 21, Kangra has five, Kinnaur has four, and Hamirpur has one closed road. Furthermore, the storm has disrupted 44 power schemes and 67 water supply schemes.

Since Thursday evening, Mandi's Jogindernagar recorded the highest rainfall at 160 mm, followed by Dharamshala (125.4 mm), Kataula (112.3 mm), Bharari (98.4 mm), Kandaghat (80 mm), Palampur (78.2 mm), Pandoh (76 mm), Baijnath (75 mm), Kufri (70.8 mm), and Shimla (60.5 mm).

Shimla's water supply has been impacted due to increased turbidity in water sources, receiving only 24.64 million litres per day against the usual 42-45 MLD on Friday. Water sources for Shimla include Gumma, Giri, Churot, Seog, Chairh, and Koti Brandi.

The ongoing rains have led to over 100 fatalities and financial losses amounting to Rs 842 crore between June 27 and August 9, according to officials.

The state has experienced a 28 per cent rainfall deficit since the monsoon began on June 1, accumulating 321.8 mm of rain against an average of 445.7 mm.

Notably, Kukumseri in the tribal Lahaul & Spiti district reported the lowest night temperature at 13.4 degrees Celsius, while Una was the warmest with a maximum temperature of 35.8 degrees.