Himachal Pradesh is currently experiencing a severe spell of heavy rainfall. The state is witnessing devastation due to incidents of cloudbursts and flooding in various locations. Mandi is one of the hardest-hit areas, facing ongoing destruction due to the downpour and cloudbursts. A significant volume of 150,000 cusecs of water was released from the Pandoh Dam, leading to panic-like situations in the Pandoh market, reminiscent of past instances in 2023. Worryingly, the meteorological department has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall today, prompting the closure of schools and colleges in the district.
Flood Threat Looms, Alert for Heavy to Very Heavy Rain
The weather department issued a warning on Monday evening for a moderate flood risk in parts of Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts over the next 24 hours. An orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain has been issued for parts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday and expectations for continued rainfall in the hill state until July 6 remain strong.
Landslides from Heavy Rains, Many Buildings Collapse, Roads Blocked; 23 Dead to Date
On Monday, heavy rainfall led to the collapse of several buildings, landslides, and blocked roads across the state. According to the state emergency operation center, 259 roads were blockaded and 614 transformers and 130 water supply schemes disrupted in the state due to cloudbursts, flooding, and landslides. Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, 23 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents.
Beas River Water Level Rises Due to Heavy Rain in Mandi (Pandoh)
Rainfall for June Exceeds Average by 34%
Himachal Pradesh recorded an average of 135 mm rainfall in June, which is significantly higher than the normal 101 mm. This is a 34% increase compared to usual figures, marking it as the 21st highest rain event for June since 1901, with the record being 252.7 mm in 1971.
Mandi Records Highest Rainfall
Places like Palampur, Baijnath, Sundernagar, Murari Devi, Kangra, and Jubbarhatti near Shimla received significant rainfall. Mandi has recorded the highest rainfall since Sunday evening up until now.
Mandi - 144.4 mm
Pandoh - 123 mm
Murari Devi - 113.2 mm
Palampur - 83 mm
Ghagas - 65.4 mm
Bharari - 65.2 mm
Kasauli - 64 mm
Nadaun - 63 mm
Slappar - 62.8 mm
Sundernagar - 60.6 mm
Dharampur - 56.6 mm
Sujanpur Tira - 53 mm
During a high-level meeting reviewing monsoon preparations, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi advised tourists and residents to adhere to weather advisories and avoid proximity to rivers and waterfalls. He instructed subdivision magistrates (SDMs) across the state to remain vigilant.
Five-Storey Building Collapses in Five Seconds
On Monday morning, in the suburban area of Bhatta Kufar in Shimla, a five-storey building collapsed within five seconds like a house of cards due to a cloudburst in Rampur, sweeping away several cows from a shed. The building near Mathu Colony along the path to Chamyana Super Specialty Hospital collapsed, although there were no casualties as the district administration had already evacuated it due to perceived threat levels. Two nearby buildings are also in danger.
Construction of Four-Lane Road Endangers Buildings
Ranjana Verma, the building owner, stated, "We evacuated the building on Sunday night since the land was sliding after Saturday’s rain. The building collapsed around 8:15 am on Monday." She added that the construction of a four-lane road endangered the building, and no measures were taken to secure it. According to Yashpal Verma, deputy chief of Chamiana Gram Panchayat, the building had developed cracks last year, but the officials of the company constructing the Kaithlighat-Dhali four-lane road assured its safety. The panchayat had written to the company to halt the work because it endangered the buildings. Yet, they continued the construction activity, leading to the collapse. The negligence of the construction company was blamed for the building's collapse.
Water Floods Senior Secondary School in Bilapur
Water inundated the government senior secondary school in the Kunhamunjhawar area of Bilaspur district, forcing more than 130 students to be sent home as the classrooms filled with water. Locals reported that the already dilapidated school worsened due to the rains. Shyam Lal, the school's vice-principal, mentioned, "Upon my arrival, I noticed knee-deep water in the rooms and mud everywhere. There was no space for students to sit, prompting us to send them home."
Animal Sheds Washed Away in Rampur
A government primary school was also damaged in the Zunga area of Shimla district. In Sikaseeri village of Sarpara Gram Panchayat, Rampur, a cloudburst swept away two animal sheds, three cows, two calves, a kitchen, and a room. The property belonged to Rajinder Kumar, Vinod Kumar, and Gopal, the sons of Palas Ram. However, there was no loss of human life. A cloudburst in Samej of Sarpara Panchayat, last July took the lives of 21 people.
Shimla-Chandigarh Highway Experiences Landslides
Continuous rain triggered landslides that caused stones to fall at five locations along the Shimla-Chandigarh national highway. Consequently, traffic was diverted onto a single lane, leading to congestion. Similar conditions prevailed at Chakki Mod near Koti in the Solan district. Stone falls disrupted traffic, and drivers faced slow movement on the single lane. Officials stated that the Subathu-Wakanaghat road in Solan district was also closed due to landslides. Efforts to clear the road are in progress.
Round-the-Clock Police Deployment for Traveler Safety
Solan Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma inspected Chakki Mod and instructed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure 24-hour deployment of necessary equipment and machinery at the site to prevent traffic disruptions during rain and enhance traveler safety with regular monitoring. He confirmed traffic police are stationed there to avert inconvenience for residents and tourists.
Slippery Conditions Persist on Chandigarh-Manali Highway
Travelers faced inconvenience due to traffic issues in Mandi district and persistent slippery conditions near Kanchimor on the Chandigarh-Manali highway, as debris fell onto the road partially closing the highway, requiring rerouting of vehicles. Local administration and NHAI teams are involved in the relief operations and debris clearance at the site.
