Himachal Pradesh Faces Devastating Floods: Heavy Rains, Landslides, and Cloudbursts Disrupt Life
Himachal Pradesh, a picturesque state in northern India, has been grappling with the devastating impacts of heavy rains, landslides, and cloudbursts. The recent onslaught of monsoon rains has led to widespread destruction, affecting the daily lives of residents and disrupting essential services. On Saturday, heavy rains triggered landslides and floods across the state, leading to the closure of 128 roads and significant disruptions in water supply. The state emergency operation center reported that 44 power and 67 water supply schemes were severely affected, leaving many areas without essential services.
The meteorological office issued an ‘orange’ warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning on Saturday. Additionally, a ‘yellow’ warning for heavy rain was issued until August 16, signaling the potential for continued adverse weather conditions. Nahan in Sirmaur district recorded the highest rainfall since Friday evening, with a staggering 168.3 mm. Other areas, including Sandhole, Nagrota Suriyan, and Jubberhatti, also experienced significant rainfall, exacerbating the risk of flash floods and landslides in the region.
The met department has warned of a low to moderate flash flood risk in isolated areas of Mandi, Sirmaur, Shimla, and Kullu districts until Sunday morning. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid venturing out during the heavy rains. The emergency operation center is working tirelessly to restore road and water supply services, but the extent of the damage has made recovery efforts challenging. The Himachal Pradesh government has issued weather alerts and urged people to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The heavy rains have not only disrupted daily life but also caused significant economic losses. In the Una district, flash floods have wreaked havoc on the industrial sector, particularly in the Bathu-Bathri industrial area of Haroli Tehsil. The Haroli Industries Association reported that 22 industrial units were affected by the floods, with estimated damages ranging from ₹80-100 crore. The floods caused widespread devastation in the Bathu-Bathri village, resulting in three deaths and significant property damage. Industrial units in the Khad area also suffered losses due to floodwater entering their premises.
The impact of the floods extended beyond the industrial sector, affecting essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Approximately 197 roads were shut down, causing many areas to lose power and water supply. The State Emergency Operation Centre reported 66 closed roads in Shimla, 58 in Sirmaur, and 33 in Mandi. In Kullu, 26 roads were closed, while five roads were affected in Lahaul-Spiti. The Una district experienced the highest number of disrupted power distribution transformers, with 118 outages, and 143 water supply schemes were affected throughout the state.
The Chandigarh-Manali highway, a crucial route for transportation, was reopened with one-way traffic at 9 Mile in Mandi due to landslide debris. However, maintaining the highway amid ongoing rainfall has proven to be a daunting task. District officials estimated a loss of around Rs 160 crore due to the monsoon. A section of the highway near Pandoh started to collapse, prompting inspections by officials from the National Highways Authority of India. In Kinnaur, a landslide at Nigulsari blocked NH-5, and five other roads in the district were also affected, further complicating transportation and relief efforts.
The meteorological office in Shimla reported a total rainfall of 14.3mm in the state, exceeding the normal average of 9.3mm. In the past 24 hours, Una received the highest rainfall at 94.5mm, while Kullu recorded the lowest at 5mm. The severe weather conditions have led to tragic incidents, including a vehicle with 12 passengers being swept away in a flash flood at the Una-Punjab border. Nine bodies were found, one person was rescued, and two individuals remain missing. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri visited the flood-affected areas in Una to assess the damage and provide support to the affected families.
The flash floods have had a profound impact on the local economy, particularly in the industrial sector. The president of the Haroli Block Industries Association stated that the affected industries have faced damage worth approximately ₹100 crore. The association has requested the government to channelize the Bathri Khad to prevent such incidents in the future and provide a relief package for the affected industries. The director of industries, Rakesh Prajapati, also visited the Bathu-Bathri industrial area to assess the losses and discuss potential measures to mitigate future risks.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a flash flood warning for Sirmaur district, with showers expected to continue in the coming days. This could lead to surface run-off and inundation in some areas, further exacerbating the situation. Heavy rainfall is predicted in several districts of Himachal Pradesh, and a yellow alert has been issued until August 18. In the last 24 hours, the highest rainfall was recorded in Dharamshala, Kangra, Narkanda, and Palampur, highlighting the widespread nature of the weather-related challenges faced by the state.
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh has reached Rajban in Mandi to meet with affected families and provide assistance. During his visit, families shared their concerns and were assured of government support. The minister emphasized that the government would provide all possible help to those affected by the floods. The flash floods have caused a significant economic impact on the industrial sector and affected families, and the government is taking measures to address the situation and provide relief to those in need.
The recent cloudburst in Damrali Nallah triggered severe flooding, washing away 30 meters of road and causing extensive damage to infrastructure. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the incident underscores the vulnerability of the region to sudden and intense weather events. The Himachal Pradesh government is working to repair the damaged road and restore normalcy to the affected areas. The cloudburst serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change.
As Himachal Pradesh continues to grapple with the aftermath of the heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods, the resilience and spirit of its people remain strong. The state government, along with various agencies and organizations, is working tirelessly to provide relief and support to those affected. The Weather Channel app offers real-time updates and information, helping residents stay informed and take necessary precautions during natural disasters. As the monsoon season progresses, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Himachal Pradesh and mitigating the impacts of future weather-related challenges.