Orange alert in Himachal, 325 roads closed.
Yellow alert issued for isolated areas in four to six Himachal districts on Thursday.
Himachal Pradesh reels under heavy rains — Orange and yellow alerts issued, roads cut off
warning of heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places on Thursday.
A yellow alert has also been issued for scattered areas in four to six districts from Friday to Sunday, as the weather department anticipates more intense downpours in the days ahead.
Losses mounting, lives disrupted
The rains have already left a deep mark on the hill state. Since the onset of monsoon on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has recorded estimated losses of up to ₹2,031 crore, according to officials quoted by PTI. The human cost is equally sobering — more than 120 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, while 30 others remain missing.
Behind these numbers are families displaced, livelihoods washed away, and communities cut off from the outside world.
Flash floods and cloudbursts strike again
Fresh incidents of flash floods and cloudbursts have only worsened the situation. In Shimla and Lahaul-Spiti districts, several bridges have been washed away, severing key connections. In Shimla district’s Ganvi Ravine, floods destroyed a police post, while heavy rainfall damaged a local bus stand and nearby shops.
“The soil has just gone, the fields are bare now,” he said. According to him, district authorities are already on the ground, engaged in relief and repair work.
In another alarming event, a cloudburst in the Shrikhand Hill region triggered flooding in the Kurpan ravine. The Bagipul market was swiftly evacuated by the district administration, preventing any loss of life but leaving shopkeepers facing sudden damage and losses.
Communities on edge
In villages and towns across the affected districts, people are living in constant uncertainty. Roads remain blocked — with 325 still closed as of Thursday — forcing residents to travel on foot for hours to access essentials. Medical emergencies have become particularly challenging to address, with ambulances unable to reach certain areas.
For many, the biggest fear is not just the rain but what follows: landslides, overflowing rivers, and the slow erosion of farmland. “We know the monsoon is necessary,” said a farmer in Mandi, “but this is no longer rain for crops, this is rain that destroys.”
Authorities on high alert
The Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Authority (HPDMA) has urged residents, particularly in vulnerable zones, to remain indoors during heavy rainfall and to avoid riverbanks and low-lying areas. Rescue teams, including police, home guards, and fire services, are stationed across high-risk points to respond quickly to emergencies.
While the state government has assured that relief measures are being carried out on priority, repairing damaged infrastructure in the steep, fragile terrain will be a long and difficult task. Helicopter sorties may be considered if road access remains blocked for extended periods.
A long road ahead
As the monsoon season shows no signs of relenting, Himachal Pradesh faces the dual challenge of immediate disaster response and long-term resilience building. For now, the focus remains on saving lives, restoring connectivity, and ensuring supplies reach cut-off communities.
But the people of Himachal, who have weathered countless storms over the years, remain hopeful. “We have seen tough times before,” said an elderly shopkeeper in Kangra. But we need help — quickly.”