Shimla: Continuous rains have severely affected Himachal Pradesh, disrupting public services and hampering connectivity across multiple districts, the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) reported.
As of 5 pm, 406 roads—including two national highways—remained blocked. Meanwhile, 457 electricity distribution transformers (DTRs) and 222 water supply schemes were non-functional.
The HPSDMA confirmed that the monsoon death toll has climbed to 257. Of these, 133 fatalities were directly caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and house collapses, while 124 deaths occurred in road accidents.
Connectivity is particularly affected in Mandi (174 roads blocked), Kullu (79), Shimla (59), and Kinnaur (48). Landslides, flash floods, and falling debris have been reported along major routes, including NH-305 in Kullu’s Jhed (Khanag) area and NH-05 in Kinnaur at Ribba Nallah and Malling Nallah, where rockfalls have halted traffic.
Power outages are concentrated in Lahaul-Spiti (145 DTRs affected), Kullu (27), Mandi (31), and Shimla (26), largely due to feeder line damage and landslides. Water supply has been severely disrupted in Mandi (44 schemes), Shimla (41), and Sirmaur (33), leaving several rural areas dependent on temporary arrangements.
The state emergency operation centre said restoration work is ongoing, with priority given to reopening highways and restoring essential services in affected villages. Authorities have urged residents and travellers to avoid unnecessary travel and stay alert for potential landslides, as heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days.
