Himachal Monsoon Havoc: As Himachal battles one of its worst monsoon spells, visuals of stranded locals and battered roads capture the unfolding crisis. From blocked highways to rising river levels, the havoc continues across the hill state and beyond.
Himachal Pradesh is reeling under the worst spell of monsoon this season, as torrential rains have triggered landslides, flash floods, and building collapses, leaving at least 39 people dead. Over 129 roads, including key national highways, have been rendered impassable, severely affecting connectivity across the hill state. In neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir, the gates of the Salal and Baglihar dams were opened following incessant rainfall, raising flood concerns downstream. A severe rainfall alert remains in effect across the region as rescue operations continue and fresh weather warnings are issued.
Himachal Monsoon Havoc: Landslide Disrupts Mandi-Kullu Highway as IMD Issues Rain Alerts Across 31 States
Traffic came to a standstill near the tunnel before Thalout on the Mandi-Kullu National Highway after a landslide struck the area on June 30, adding to the disruption caused by relentless monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh. The crucial highway link between Mandi and Kullu has seen multiple blockages this week due to falling debris and flash floods, severely affecting mobility in the region.
The monsoon death toll in Himachal Pradesh has climbed to 20, with three more fatalities reported in the past 24 hours. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the latest casualties include drowning incidents in Una and Bilaspur, and a fall-related death in Shimla district. Torrential rains continue to batter the hill state, causing landslides and widespread disruption. A total of 129 roads remain blocked, with Sirmaur (57 roads) and Mandi (44 roads) among the worst-hit districts. Additionally, over 600 transformers have been knocked out, leaving multiple areas without electricity. The ongoing situation has sparked renewed concern as memories of the catastrophic 2023 monsoon, which claimed more than 550 lives, resurface across the state.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued rain alerts in 31 states and Union Territories, signalling the expansive impact of the monsoon. A red alert has been sounded for Uttarakhand and Jharkhand, while orange alerts are in effect for 12 states including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Additionally, yellow alerts have been issued in 17 other states, urging caution amid widespread rainfall and waterlogging concerns.
Schools Shut, Trains Halted as Flood Threat Grows Across Rain-Hit Himachal
Amid intensified monsoon activity, multiple districts in Himachal Pradesh have suspended academic operations and issued fresh alerts. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the closure of schools in Kangra, Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur districts for Monday, June 30, following a red alert by the IMD. While routine classes were cancelled in most areas, essential institutions like IIT Mandi and medical colleges remain open. Rail services also took a hit, with the iconic Shimla-Kalka heritage line temporarily suspended after boulders and uprooted trees obstructed the tracks near Solan’s Koti stretch.
Meanwhile, a flash flood warning has been issued in 10 districts, including Bilaspur, Kullu, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Chamba, as water levels rise in key rivers like the Beas and Juni Khad. The situation intensified further after all five spillway gates of the Pandoh Dam were opened following controlled flushing at Larji Dam, pushing the Beas River’s discharge to 44,000 cusecs. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from riverbanks, as operations at Dehar Power House were also temporarily suspended due to the high flow.
Salal Dam Gates Opened in J&K as Chenab River Swells After Heavy Rain
In response to rising water levels in the Chenab River, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir opened all 12 gates of the Salal Dam, releasing excess water downstream. The move comes after consistent heavy rainfall in the region pushed the river flow to critical levels, prompting officials to initiate controlled discharge to prevent flooding. While the precautionary measure is expected to ease pressure on the dam’s capacity, residents living near low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious and avoid venturing close to the riverbanks. This follows similar dam releases reported in Himachal Pradesh, highlighting the broader monsoon impact across northern India.
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