Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): Himachal Pradesh heavy rain has disrupted normal life across the state as the monsoon continues to intensify. Continuous rainfall, landslides, and rapidly melting glaciers have blocked highways, damaged infrastructure, and forced authorities to issue weather warnings. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued an Orange Alert for several districts, urging people to remain cautious.
Heavy Rain Disrupts Roads Across Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Pradesh heavy rain has severely affected road connectivity in several districts. In Lahaul-Spiti, the Manali-Kaza National Highway closed after a section of the road collapsed near Chichong-Kholksa. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall blocked the Chamba-Tissa Highway and several other roads in Chamba district.
According to official reports, Nagrota Surian in Kangra recorded the highest rainfall of 102.5 mm during the past 24 hours. Ghamroor also received 95.2 mm of rainfall, adding to the weather-related challenges.
Melting Glaciers Block Major Routes
The Himachal Pradesh heavy rain has accelerated glacier melting in Lahaul-Spiti. As a result, a large amount of debris reached roads near Jispa. Consequently, the Manali-Leh and Manali-Zanskar routes remained blocked for several hours.
Many vehicles got stranded due to the debris. However, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) restored traffic partially after the water level receded during the night.
Meanwhile, overflowing streams have created additional problems. Residents near Jahalma Nala have crossed the water channel at great personal risk. Farmers have also worked with laborers to move their crops to safer locations.
Infrastructure Suffers Major Damage
The Himachal Pradesh heavy rain has damaged several public facilities. In Rampur subdivision of Shimla district, strong rain washed away a temporary bridge in Ganvi village. Consequently, three panchayats lost road connectivity.
Additionally, authorities reported that 44 roads remain closed across the state. Around 254 electricity transformers have also stopped functioning.
Mandi district accounts for 28 blocked roads, while Kullu has reported 14 road closures. Therefore, commuters continue to face serious travel disruptions.
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Several Districts
The India Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall will continue across Himachal Pradesh for the next six days. Therefore, officials have asked residents to stay alert.
The IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for most districts today, except Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kullu. Furthermore, a strong western disturbance will become active from tonight. As a result, the department has announced an Orange Alert for the plains and mid-hill districts from July 2 to July 4.
Additionally, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti may experience strong winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph.
Authorities Advise Residents to Stay Safe
Officials have urged residents to avoid rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas. Moreover, they have advised people to postpone unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve.
The Himachal Pradesh heavy rain has already spread the monsoon across Kinnaur and most parts of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti. Meanwhile, the monsoon has entered several areas of Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra.
Weather experts also expect temperatures to fall over the next three to four days. Maximum temperatures may decrease by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures could drop by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have appealed to the public to follow official advisories until weather conditions stabilize.
Key Highlights of the news:
- Himachal Pradesh heavy rain has triggered flood-like conditions and landslides.
- Manali-Kaza, Manali-Leh, and Chamba-Tissa highways faced major disruptions.
- Glacier melting in Lahaul-Spiti brought debris onto roads and stranded vehicles.
- IMD has issued an Orange Alert from July 2 to July 4 for several districts.
- Authorities have advised people to avoid rivers, landslide-prone areas, and unnecessary travel.
