SHIMLA, Aug 17: Torrential rains have caused widespread disruption in Himachal Pradesh, blocking at least 355 roads, including three National Highways — NH 21 in Mandi, NH 305 in Kullu, and NH 5 in Kinnaur.
The State Emergency Operation Centre reports that Mandi is the worst affected with 202 roads blocked, followed by Kullu (64), Sirmaur (28), Kangra (27), Chamba (9), Shimla (8), Una (7), Lahaul-Spiti (6), Kinnaur (2), and one each in Bilaspur and Hamirpur.
Power infrastructure has also taken a significant hit, with 1,067 transformers disrupted. The highest outages were reported in Kullu (557), Mandi (385), and Lahaul-Spiti (112). Smaller outages occurred in Kinnaur (11) and Chamba (2). Additionally, 116 water supply schemes have been affected, including 44 in Mandi, 41 in Kangra, 14 in Hamirpur, and others across Kullu, Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti, and Solan.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for August 18, 21, 22, and 23, forecasting continued heavy to very heavy rain in isolated areas and light to moderate showers across most of the state.
Over the past 24 hours, several regions have recorded intense rainfall. Kataula in Mandi received the highest at 120 mm, followed by Kangra (110.8 mm), Nahan (103 mm), Paonta Sahib (69.8 mm), Bhuntar (63.3 mm), and Palampur (60.4 mm). Other areas like Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala received lighter showers.
With more rain expected, the risk of landslides, flash floods, and infrastructure damage remains high. Authorities are on alert and restoration efforts are ongoing. (PTI)
