Landslides and recent heavy downpours continue to disrupt normal life across Himachal Pradesh, leaving 99 roads blocked for traffic despite brief spells of sunshine over the past two days. While weather conditions showed mild improvement in Mandi and surrounding districts on Wednesday with sunshine and light cloud cover, transport infrastructure remains severely affected across multiple hill districts.
District Road Blockages and Service Disruptions
According to updates from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), Mandi district has suffered the highest disruption with 44 roads rendered impassable. In addition, 23 roads in Kullu, 12 in Sirmaur, 7 in Kangra, 5 in Chamba, 4 in Una, 3 in Shimla, and 1 road in Lahaul-Spiti district are completely shut. Infrastructure disruptions have also affected essential public utilities, causing damage to 7 electrical transformers and impacting 6 drinking water supply projects.
Severe Landslide in Bharmour Forces Detour
A massive landslide was recorded on Tuesday in the Bharmour area of Chamba district along the Kodla-Urai road, sweeping away a major portion of the stretch. Visuals from the spot showed a huge rolling boulder crashing down the hillside, severing connectivity. Commuters traveling toward Urai are currently being diverted via the alternative Kandi-Kuther route.
Rainfall Statistics Across Districts
Precipitation records indicate that Dhaulakuan in Sirmaur district witnessed the heaviest downpour, recording 117.5 mm of rainfall in the 24 hour period ending Tuesday. Other areas also logged noticeable rain figures, including Dharamshala at 23 mm, Paonta Sahib at 22.6 mm, Jatton Barrage at 22 mm, Una at 13.3 mm, Jubbarhatti at 11 mm, Shimla at 8.4 mm, and Jogindernagar at 7 mm.
IMD Forecast and Financial Toll
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla indicated that light rainfall will continue across Himachal Pradesh over the next three days. However, no severe weather warnings or alerts have been issued for this period. Meanwhile, cumulative infrastructural and financial damage across the state during the ongoing monsoon season has reached Rs 1150 crore.
