Monsoon rain has again affected normal life in Himachal Pradesh, with heavy rainfall reported in Parwanoo, Dharampur, Jabli and Chakki Mor areas of Solan district. Several drains and streams overflowed, sending water and debris into residential areas and shops.
Parwanoo recorded heavy rain that caused several drains to overflow. Water and debris accumulated at multiple locations, affecting local roads and entering several houses and shops. Residents and shopkeepers had to make efforts to prevent water from entering their premises. Initial information indicates that there has been no loss of life in these incidents so far.
The impact of rainfall has been particularly visible in areas connected to hill slopes and major highways. Waterlogging and debris have affected local movement, while property damage has also been reported in some locations.
The Jabli area near Dharampur also faced waterlogging after heavy rain. Water flowing down from the four-lane road entered several shops, forcing shopkeepers to try to protect their goods amid the flooding.
The sudden rise in water levels created difficult conditions in the market area. Property damage has also been reported locally, although the final extent of the damage will be clear only after the administration's assessment.
Traffic movement was affected near Chakki Mor on Chandigarh-Shimla National Highway-5 as debris continued to fall from the hillside onto the road. One lane of the four-lane highway was affected, leaving vehicles to pass through limited space.
Vehicles moved slowly and traffic congestion-like conditions developed at several points. With rainfall continuing in the hill areas, the possibility of further debris falling onto the road remains.
The Kalka-Shimla four-lane road connects Himachal Pradesh with Chandigarh and the plains. The route carries regular traffic, including during the tourism season. When stones and debris fall from the hills during rainfall, even a temporary disruption of one lane can result in vehicle queues. At present, drivers are being forced to travel at reduced speeds, while the administration and concerned teams are monitoring the road conditions.
The impact of rainfall has also been reported in other parts of the state. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre report up to 10 am on September 3, 110 roads were closed across Himachal Pradesh.
The closures included 51 roads in Mandi, 22 in Kullu, 8 in Shimla, 8 in Sirmaur, 7 in Chamba, 7 in Kangra, 4 in Una, 2 in Solan and one road in Lahaul-Spiti.
Rain and landslides have affected road connectivity as well as electricity and drinking water services across the state.
The same report stated that 198 electricity distribution transformers were disrupted. Shimla had 53 affected transformers and Solan had 65. Chamba reported 35, Kullu 26, Hamirpur 23, Sirmaur 11 and Mandi 8 affected transformers.
In addition, 56 drinking water supply schemes were affected by the rainfall. The disruption has therefore extended beyond roads to essential electricity and water services.
Rainfall has also continued to affect Shimla. According to the forecast from the India Meteorological Department's Shimla centre, thunderstorms and rain are expected on September 3 and 4. Moderate rain is also likely on September 5 and 6, along with cloudy conditions.
Rain is therefore expected to continue in the hill areas over the coming days, keeping the risk of landslides on vulnerable slopes and roads.
In view of the weather conditions, the administration has advised people in the Kasauli subdivision to exercise caution. Officials have asked residents to avoid going near rivers, streams, khads, landslide-prone locations and other vulnerable areas during heavy rainfall.
The situation in Kasauli, Dharampur, Chakki Mor and Parwanoo is being monitored. People have been advised to contact the local administration in case of an emergency.
The risk of sudden debris and stones falling from hill slopes remains a concern during the current spell of rain. Rainfall and landslides have repeatedly affected highways and local roads in Himachal Pradesh during the monsoon in recent years.
People travelling by road have been advised to check weather and traffic conditions before starting their journey. Drivers travelling on the Kalka-Shimla route have been asked to exercise additional caution near Chakki Mor and other vulnerable stretches.
The cumulative disaster report for the current monsoon season from June 30 to September 2 recorded 261 deaths and 471 injuries in disaster-related incidents. Road accidents were also among the major causes recorded in the report.
The administration's current priority in the Solan and Parwanoo areas is monitoring waterlogged locations, removing debris from roads and maintaining safe traffic movement.
Conditions in hill areas can change rapidly during rainfall. A road may become temporarily clear and then be blocked again by fresh debris. Travellers have therefore been advised to remain patient and follow instructions issued by the police and administration.
With rainfall expected to continue over the next three days, the risk of waterlogging in lower areas and landslides in hill regions remains. The administration has asked people to stay away from vulnerable locations until conditions improve.
Drivers using highways have been advised to avoid high speeds, proceed cautiously when encountering debris on the road and stop at a safe location if necessary.
The current spell of rainfall is affecting roads, electricity, drinking water supplies and local businesses across Himachal Pradesh. Water entering shops in Parwanoo and Jabli and debris falling onto the four-lane highway near Chakki Mor have affected both local commercial activity and a key transport route.
With rainfall expected to continue, people have been advised to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel.
