Intense rainfall has wreaked havoc across Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the closure of 115 roads to vehicular traffic. The Shimla meteorological office has issued an orange alert, warning of heavy to very heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places until Friday.
The state emergency operation centre reported that the heavy rains have led to the closure of 107 roads in Mandi, four in Chamba, three in Solan, and one in Kangra district. Additionally, 212 transformers are disrupted across the state.
In a significant development, a stretch between Mandi and Pandoh on the Chandigarh-Manali four-lane road has started sinking, leading officials to allow only one-way traffic since Wednesday. Locals have raised concerns about the quality of construction, noting that a retaining wall built at considerable expense has sunk by about two feet. Project Manager Raj Shekar mentioned that tarring work is ongoing at the spot with urgency.
The meteorological department also issued a yellow warning for heavy rains on Saturday and Sunday (July 6 and 7), cautioning about potential damage to plantations, horticulture, and standing crops. The warning highlighted the risk of partial damage to vulnerable structures, minor damage to kutcha houses and huts due to strong winds and rain, traffic disruptions, and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Several parts of the state, including the capital Shimla, experienced widespread rainfall. Shimla received 84 mm of rain since Wednesday evening, uprooting several trees and scattering debris from drains onto the roads. Sundernagar recorded the highest rainfall with 111 mm, followed by Palampur with 109.4 mm, Shimla with 84 mm, Gohar with 80 mm, Solan with 79.8 mm, Mashobra with 78.5 mm, Jogindernagar with 75 mm, Baijnath with 70 mm, Mandi with 55.2 mm, Narkanda with 48 mm, and Kangra with 44.2 mm.
Narkanda in Shimla district recorded the lowest night temperature at 13.4 degrees Celsius, while Bhuntar in Kullu was the hottest during the day on Wednesday, with a maximum temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius.
The state is bracing for continued heavy rainfall, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions and stay updated with weather alerts.
Sources By Agencies