SHIMLA, Aug. 24 — Torrential rains across Himachal Pradesh have left 402 roads, including two National Highways, blocked and disrupted essential services, officials said Sunday.
The State Emergency Operation Centre reported that Mandi district remains the worst hit, with 221 roads closed, including NH-03. Kullu has 102 closures, including NH-305, followed by 24 in Chamba, 21 in Kangra, 12 in Una, nine in Sirmaur, eight in Shimla, two each in Bilaspur and Kinnaur, and one in Lahaul and Spiti.
Power supply has been widely affected, with 208 distribution transformers out of service — 134 in Mandi, 26 in Chamba, 23 in Kinnaur, 17 in Kullu, six in Kangra, and one each in Shimla and Lahaul and Spiti. Water schemes have also taken a hit, with 51 disrupted: 36 in Mandi, eight in Kangra, five in Hamirpur, and two in Lahaul and Spiti.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heavy rainfall on Sunday, placing an orange alert for Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, and Kullu districts. A yellow alert remains in place for Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Lahaul and Spiti.
Authorities have urged caution in vulnerable areas, noting that restoration work on roads and essential services is under way.
