Himachal Pradesh has wreaked havoc across the state, causing extensive damage estimated at Rs900 crore to infrastructure managed by the Irrigation and Public Health (IPH) Department, the Public Works Department (PWD), and state roads. Over the past two days, relentless rains have triggered landslides and flash floods, significantly impacting transportation and utility services.
According to official reports, the torrential downpour has led to the closure of over 280 roads, with a staggering 150 roads rendered impassable on Saturday alone. The situation deteriorated swiftly, with 138 roads closed the previous day. The State Emergency Operation Centre has provided a breakdown of road closures by district: 96 in Mandi, 76 in Shimla, 37 in Kullu, 33 in Sirmaur, 26 in Chamba, seven in Lahaul and Spiti, five in Hamirpur, and four each in Kangra and Kinnaur. Kinnaur district has been particularly hard-hit, experiencing a complete cutoff from Shimla due to severe flooding between Pooh and Kaurik and a landslide along National Highway 5 near Negulsari. The impact on essential services is also severe, with 458 power schemes and 48 water supply schemes currently affected by the flooding.
The scale of the damage highlights the urgent need for extensive repairs and relief efforts. The state government is expected to mobilise resources to address the immediate needs and begin the long process of infrastructure restoration. The disruption to roads and utilities poses significant challenges for residents and emergency responders alike, exacerbating the impact of the natural disaster. As Himachal Pradesh grapples with these challenges, the full extent of the damage and the required recovery efforts are becoming clearer. The state’s infrastructure, vital for maintaining connectivity and essential services, will require substantial investment to restore normalcy and mitigate future risks associated with extreme weather events.
