SHIMLA, July 28 — State disaster management machinery has been mobilized on a high alert following heavy rains over the past 24 hours that killed five people and closed more than 230 roads across Himachal Pradesh. Emergency teams managed to clear a critical landslide near the Lift area on Shimla’s Cart Road within an hour, restoring vehicular movement on the vital arterial route after morning traffic ground to a complete halt.
Himachal Pradesh Special Secretary for Disaster Management Pushpinder Rana stated that the administration swung into action immediately after meteorologists issued fresh weather warnings.
“Following the IMD forecast, an alert and advisory have been issued across the state. Teams and machinery have also been deployed. At present, around 230 roads remain blocked, nearly 250 electricity transformers are affected and more than 90 water supply schemes have been disrupted. Restoration work is underway, and the numbers are gradually coming down,” Rana stated.
The State Disaster Management Authority reported widespread impact across nearly every district, including severe flash floods in Chamba town. Tragedy struck in the Banikhet area of Chamba district when an Alto car crashed amidst adverse weather conditions, claiming five lives.
Rana affirmed that rescue operations are proceeding continuously across affected pockets. “Five people lost their lives in a road accident in Banikhet, Chamba. In the Sultanpur area of Chamba, rainwater entered some houses and damaged boundary walls. Our teams are working on the ground. Five people who were stranded in the Manimahesh area have also been safely rescued by the local administration. Disaster management teams remain deployed in areas receiving rainfall,” Rana added.
With the India Meteorological Department predicting continued downpours for the next three days, district administrative officials state they are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance to handle emerging blockages and ensure public safety.
