Shimla rain alert issued as over 200 roads remain shut statewide
Shimla is on high alert as the local weather office issued an ‘orange’ warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple districts, further complicating restoration efforts in the flood-hit regions. The warning, in effect for July 14 and 15, covers parts of Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur, where already fragile infrastructure has been battered by recurring rain-related disasters. Over 200 roads remain closed, and key public utilities like water and power supply continue to face disruptions, raising concerns over prolonged isolation of several remote communities.
Disaster management officials confirmed that 208 roads remain inaccessible, with 157 closures in Mandi alone — one of the worst-affected districts this monsoon. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) also reported that 745 water supply schemes and 139 power transformers were still not operational, exacerbating the crisis. With ongoing efforts to restore the Chandigarh–Manali highway, officials are racing against time as frequent landslides and rain hamper repair work. The monsoon-induced toll on infrastructure has now exceeded ₹770 crore, signalling a pressing need for climate-resilient development models. From June 20 to July 13, the state has recorded 98 deaths, including 57 from rain-related incidents and 41 from road accidents. Additionally, 34 individuals remain missing, while 178 have been injured. Flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides have become alarmingly frequent, with Mandi again at the centre of devastation.
The night of June 30–July 1 witnessed 10 cloudbursts and a series of flash floods that washed away 27 people and claimed 15 lives. Search operations are ongoing, with rescue teams continuing efforts despite difficult terrain and unstable weather. In the past 24 hours, light to moderate showers were recorded in several parts of the state, intensifying fears of fresh landslides. Sirmaur’s Rajgarh reported 72 mm of rainfall, while Mandi and other districts also saw significant precipitation. Officials are urging residents to avoid travel to vulnerable areas and to remain alert to official advisories. With more rain forecasted, the risk to both lives and livelihoods remains elevated, particularly for communities reliant on road connectivity and fragile water networks.
Himachal Pradesh’s current monsoon disaster reflects the urgent need for a sustainable and decentralised approach to disaster preparedness. As traditional infrastructure repeatedly buckles under extreme weather, long-term adaptation strategies—rooted in both environmental conservation and inclusive governance—must be prioritised. Authorities must now balance immediate relief with robust planning to protect hill communities from future climate shocks.
