Normal life paralyzed in Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rains and landslides. 1286 roads and six national highways have been closed. Orange alert issued in nine districts. Power and water supply disrupted, water to be released from Pong Dam.
Shimla: The continuous torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh have increased the difficulties of the people. From roads to fields, a scene of devastation is visible everywhere. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for nine districts. Meanwhile, 343 people have lost their lives so far in the monsoon season.
Orange alert issued in nine districts
The Meteorological Department has informed that an orange alert for heavy rainfall has been issued in nine districts of the state, excluding Kangra, Una, and Hamirpur. Experts believe that the rain will continue in many areas on Friday, while some relief may be seen from Saturday.
Roads closed, normal life disrupted
Traffic in the state has been completely affected due to heavy rains and landslides. By Thursday morning, 1286 roads were closed. This includes six national highways—
- NH-03
- NH-05
- NH-21
- NH-205
- NH-505
- NH-305
The maximum number of roads are closed in Mandi (293), Kullu (225), and Shimla (216) districts. Due to this, educational institutions, including schools and colleges, have also had to be closed.
Damage to crops and horticulture
Both agriculture and horticulture have suffered heavy losses due to continuous rain and waterlogging. Crops in the fields are being destroyed, and the supply to apple markets has been halted. Traders are backing out of purchases due to lack of transportation.
More water to be released from Pong Dam
The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has decided to increase water discharge from Pong Dam. Now, one lakh cusecs of water will be released from the dam, whereas earlier 80,000 cusecs of water was being released. The administration of Fatehpur, Indora, and Dehra subdivisions in Kangra district have been put on alert. People living in low-lying areas have been urged to move to safer places.
Impact on electricity and water supply
The impact of heavy rainfall is also being seen on electricity and water supply. 2809 transformers are down across the state. Among these, Kullu (1096), Shimla (405), Mandi (404), and Solan (304) are the most affected.
Drinking water schemes have also been affected. 1081 schemes in the state are disrupted, with Shimla (349), Kangra (212), Solan (91), Mandi (68), and Kullu (63) districts being the most affected.
Monsoon claims 343 lives
The figures from June 20 to September 3 are alarming. 343 people have lost their lives so far in the monsoon season, while 398 people have been injured. This includes those who lost their lives in road accidents. Additionally, 1372 cattle have died.
Loss of thousands of crores to the state
Due to the disaster and accidents, Himachal Pradesh has incurred a loss of Rs 3690.42 crore so far.
Agriculture sector Rs 11.45 crore
Horticulture sector is estimated to have suffered a loss of Rs 22.52 crore.
Looking at the district-wise breakdown—
- Mandi: Rs 1231.64 crore
- Kangra: Rs 1123.89 crore
- Kullu: Rs 763.57 crore
- Una: Rs 722.12 crore in losses have been recorded.
Where the heaviest rainfall was recorded in 24 hours
Heavy rainfall was recorded in many areas in the last 24 hours as well.
- Dharmpur: 76.6 mm
- Karsog: 69 mm
- Kasauli: 67 mm
- Kandaghat: 59 mm
- Shri Naina Devi Ji: 58.6 mm
- Bhuntar: 55.6 mm
- Bilaspur: 50.8 mm
- Shimla: 47 mm
- Solan: 44.4 mm
