Himachal Pradesh Braces for Week-Long Rain, 247 Roads Shut: Yellow Alert Issued

The continuous downpour, driven by an active monsoon trough, is expected to batter districts like Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, and Chamba, raising concerns about flash floods and landslides. This severe weather update, announced via the IMD’s Shimla center, has put residents and authorities on high alert, with preparations underway to mitigate potential damage.

Heavy Rain to Lash Himachal

The ongoing monsoon has already wreaked havoc, closing 247 roads across Himachal Pradesh, including 92 in Mandi and 65 in Kullu, as reported by the State Disaster Management Authority. Key routes like the Shimla-Kullu highway and Manali-Leh road are among those affected, with debris clearance operations hampered by persistent rain. The closure of 12 bridges and damage to 150 homes since June 2025 underscore the monsoon’s destructive impact.

Monsoon Fury in Himachal

The IMD’s yellow alert warns of heavy rain exceeding 64.5 mm daily, posing risks of flash floods near rivers like Beas and Satluj. Authorities have advised residents to avoid water bodies and hilly terrains prone to landslides. The state government has deployed 15 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and activated 24/7 control rooms in vulnerable districts. Schools in high-risk areas may close, and tourists have been urged to postpone travel plans, with over 2,000 visitors evacuated from Lahaul-Spiti last week.

Himachal Pradesh on Edge

Residents are expressing frustration on platforms like X, citing delayed road repairs and inadequate drainage systems. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured swift restoration, with 200 JCBs deployed for debris removal. The state has allocated Rs 50 crore for immediate relief, but locals demand long-term infrastructure upgrades. A 2024 PWD report noted 30% of Himachal’s roads are landslide-prone, highlighting systemic challenges.