The risk of flooding has increased in seven districts of Himachal Pradesh, including Chamba and Mandi, due to heavy rainfall. 80 deaths have occurred so far. 225 roads are closed in the state, and there has been a loss of crores of rupees.
Himachal Flood: Incidents of floods, landslides, and cloudbursts are continuously increasing in Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rainfall. The Meteorological Department has issued flood warnings for the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur. 52 people have died so far in rain-related incidents. The administration has issued an alert and appealed to the public to remain vigilant.
Himachal is Scared Again by Heavy Rain
The situation in Himachal Pradesh has been deteriorating since the onset of the monsoon. Due to heavy rainfall, waterlogging, landslides, and flood-like conditions have occurred in many areas of the state. On Tuesday, the Meteorological Department issued a warning specifically for seven districts. These districts include Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur. According to the department, the next 24 hours are very sensitive.
Mandi district most affected, many roads closed
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the most affected district is Mandi, where traffic is completely closed on 153 roads. A total of 225 roads are closed across the state. In addition, 174 water supply schemes and 163 power transformers have also been affected, impacting the daily needs of the general public.
Rainfall figures are increasing concern
Between June 1st and July 8th, Himachal Pradesh has received 203.2 mm of rainfall compared to the normal rainfall of 152.6 mm. Some districts have recorded much more rainfall than normal. For example, Mandi has received 110 percent, Shimla 89 percent, and Una 86 percent more rainfall. Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20th, 23 flood incidents, 19 cloudburst incidents, and 16 landslides have been reported in the state.
The death toll is alarming, 52 lives lost
According to government figures, 52 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents since June 20th. In addition, 28 people died in road accidents. Thus, a total of 80 deaths have been recorded so far.
The situation is particularly dire in Mandi district, where drones and sniffer dogs are being used to search for the 28 people who went missing last week. Search operations are being conducted continuously in sub-divisions like Thunag, Gohar, and Karsog.
Loss of crores, relief work continues
According to the SEOC, the estimated loss so far has reached around 692 crore rupees. The state government has intensified relief and rescue operations. The local administration, police, NDRF, and other agencies are active on the ground.
People are advised not to go near rivers and streams unnecessarily, to get information about the weather and roads before traveling, and to contact the helpline number in any emergency.
Alert and Helpline Numbers
The Himachal Pradesh government has issued helpline numbers for all districts. District Disaster Control Centers are working 24 hours. Citizens are appealed to contact the numbers given below immediately in any emergency:
- Disaster Control Room: 1070 (Toll-Free)
- State Emergency Operation Centre: 0177-2622204 / 2629439
- Local administration numbers: Available on the respective district websites
