SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh is grappling with the devastating impact of relentless monsoon rains, which have triggered building collapses, landslides, and widespread road blockades across the state. Since the monsoon’s onset on June 20, official figures report that 23 people have tragically lost their lives in rain-related incidents.
Even this morning, India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for moderate rainfall and thunderstorms in Himachal Pradesh.
The State Emergency Operation Centre has indicated that the deluge has severely disrupted connectivity, with a staggering 259 roads currently closed. Mandi and Sirmaur districts are among the worst hit, accounting for 129 and 92 road closures respectively, primarily due to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. The infrastructural damage extends to essential services, with 614 transformers and 130 water supply schemes disrupted, plunging many areas into darkness and scarcity.
The popular tourist destination of Shimla has not been spared, as a five-storey building dramatically collapsed within seconds on Monday morning, a stark illustration of the rain’s destructive power. In Mandi, one of the most severely affected regions, reports on Tuesday indicated several people were missing after a cloudburst unleashed a flash flood.
This year’s monsoon has been exceptionally vigorous for Himachal Pradesh. The state recorded 135 mm of rainfall in June, marking a 34% increase above the normal of 101 mm. This makes it the 21st highest June rainfall since 1901, though it remains below the record of 252.7 mm set in 1971.
The Himachal Pradesh administration has issued urgent advisories, urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in vulnerable hilly regions, and to stay updated through official weather and disaster alerts. As rescue and restoration efforts continue, the state faces a challenging period of recovery from the monsoon’s severe impact.
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