Heavy Rain Forecast from Sunday, Situation Grim in Mandi District
Shimla: The monsoon remains weak in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, with no immediate weather alerts, but conditions are expected to worsen. A yellow alert for rain has been issued for Sunday, followed by an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts from Monday for three days.
Rainfall in the past 24 hours has been light, with Shimla receiving 3 mm, Hamirpur 5.5 mm, and Kufri 3.5 mm. Other areas like Sundernagar, Manali, Bhuntar, Solan, Kalpa, and Dhaula Kuan also recorded light rain.
Landslides Close 250 Roads; 81 Transformers, 61 Water Schemes Shut
The impact of earlier rains continues, especially in Mandi district, where a cloudburst on June 30 has left the region struggling. As of Friday morning, 250 connecting roads remain closed across the state due to landslides and heavy rains — 182 of them in Mandi alone. Other affected districts include Sirmaur (26 roads), Kullu (23), Kangra (10), Solan (6), and Una (3).
Essential services have also been disrupted. 81 power transformers and 61 drinking water schemes are not functioning, with Mandi and Kullu districts the most affected.
Human and Financial Toll Rising Across the State
Since the beginning of the monsoon season, 110 people have lost their lives, 35 are missing, and 199 have been injured. Mandi district has been the worst affected with 20 deaths and 27 missing. Other major casualties include 19 in Kangra, 11 in Kullu, and 9 each in Hamirpur and Chamba.
The state has suffered an estimated ₹1,220 crore in property damage. The Public Works Department (PWD) alone has incurred ₹546 crore in losses, while the Jal Shakti Department has faced losses of ₹434 crore.
Widespread Destruction of Property and Infrastructure
377 houses and 256 shops have been completely destroyed.
723 houses are partially damaged.
Mandi is the worst hit: 350 houses, 233 shops, and 746 cow sheds have been destroyed.
The monsoon season has so far seen 22 cloudbursts, 32 flash floods, and 19 landslides reported across the state.
Authorities are on alert and restoration efforts are underway, but worsening weather could pose more challenges in the coming days.
