Himachal Pradesh has been severely impacted by relentless rains, leading to the blockage of over 60 roads across the State. The downpour has caused extensive disruptions in transportation and essential services, with significant effects on various districts. As per the information shared by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) on Sunday, the situation is critical with 31 roads closed in Mandi, 13 in Shimla, 10 in Kangra, four in Kinnaur, and two in Kullu. Additionally, roads in Una, Sirmaur, and Lahaul and Spiti districts are also obstructed.
A major concern is the blockage of National Highway 5 near Negulsari in Kinnaur district. This key route, which connects the region with Tibet, is crucial for trade and travel. The closure is exacerbating the situation, further isolating the affected areas. Besides the road closures, the state is facing significant disruptions in essential services. The SEOC reported that 11 power schemes and one water supply scheme have been affected, adding to the hardships faced by residents.
The heavy rains that began on Saturday evening have led to widespread damage. Una recorded the highest rainfall with 48 mm, followed by Kufri with 19.8 mm, and Sangla with 17.2 mm. Other areas affected include Jubbarhatti and Mandi, each receiving 15.6 mm of rain, and Nichar with 14.8 mm.
Despite the recent heavy rainfall, the state is still grappling with a 21 percent rainfall deficit since the monsoon season began on June 27. The state has received 522.2 mm of rain, whereas the average expected is 657.9 mm.
The ongoing monsoon season has been devastating, with 158 fatalities reported due to rain-related incidents from June 27 to September 7. Additionally, 30 people remain missing. The overall damage to the state has been estimated at Rs 1,305 crore, with substantial losses due to landslides, flooding, and infrastructure damage.
The State Disaster Management Authority's preliminary damage report provided a grim picture. It highlighted deaths caused by cloudbursts, floods, landslides, and lightning strikes. The report also noted fatalities due to snake bites, electric shocks, and accidents caused by the severe weather conditions. The state has witnessed 51 incidents of cloudbursts and floods, along with 40 major landslides.
Looking ahead, the weather forecast predicted continued light to moderate rainfall in Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Kullu, and Sirmaur, with isolated showers in other districts.
In response to the extensive damage, the State Government has requested a special relief package from the central government. To date, Rs 10 crore in financial aid has been allocated to assist affected communities. Efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy and support the residents as the state continues to cope with the aftermath of this severe weather event.
Car Plunges into Gorge in Mandi: 3 Dead, 1 Injured
Three persons were killed and one critically injured on Sunday when their Alto car plunged into a deep gorge in Kanda, Mandi’s Balichowki tehsil. Officials reported that the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to fall into the ravine. Two occupants died at the scene, while a third succumbed to injuries en route to the hospital. The survivor is receiving treatment at a local medical facility. The exact cause of the accident is under investigation by the police, who have registered a case.
HRTC Bus Accident in Pathankot: 1 Dead, 12 Injured
An HRTC bus traveling from Chamba to Amritsar overturned on Friday night near Mamoon Cantt, close to the Chamba-Punjab border, resulting in one fatality and 12 injuries. The incident occurred on the Pathankot-Chamba National Highway, near Bungal Badhani village. CCTV footage has captured the moment the bus overturned, causing the front windows to shatter and passengers to sustain injuries.
The bus, carrying 41 passengers, was en route when the accident happened. The exact cause remains unknown, and Pathankot police are investigating. The injured have been taken to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities are working to determine the factors leading to this tragic accident.