Himachal Pradesh Deluged: Monsoon Rains Wreak Havoc Across State

Himachal Pradesh is in the grip of relentless monsoon rains for the fifth consecutive day, severely disrupting daily life across the state. Dense fog, intermittent landslides, and waterlogging have brought traffic to a standstill in many areas, with Shimla among the worst hit.

Residents face mounting difficulties as rains intensify, impacting school commutes and daily activities. "Continuous rain has severely affected normal life," said Shimla resident Kapil. The threat of landslides has made outdoor ventures risky, deterring locals from leaving their homes.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in several districts, including Shimla, Solan, Mandi, and Bilaspur, with a warning for very heavy rain in Una, Hamirpur, and Kangra. Essential services like road connectivity, electricity, and water supply are severely impacted.

With the downpour expected to last until August 10, authorities are closely monitoring the situation amid rising concerns over flash floods and landslides. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported 449 roads, 753 transformers, and 276 water supply schemes disrupted.

The monsoon death toll has risen to 192, including rain-induced fatalities and road accidents. Mandi is the worst-affected district, with 318 blocked roads, including key national highways. Power outages have further exacerbated the infrastructural damage, particularly in subdivisions like Seraj, Thalout, and Karsog.

(With inputs from agencies.)