Shimla, Sept 6: Heavy rainfall continues to batter Himachal Pradesh, prompting the State Meteorological Department to issue an orange weather alert for five districts and a yellow alert for three others. Officials said the conditions are expected to persist, with more downpours likely in the coming hours.
The orange warning has been issued for Mandi, Kangra, Una, Hamirpur and Bilaspur districts, while Shimla, Kullu and Solan are under a yellow warning. According to the forecast, these districts may receive heavy spells in isolated areas.
As of Saturday morning, 1,004 roads across the hill state remained blocked, including three National Highways, severely affecting mobility and relief operations. Data from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) revealed that Kullu accounted for 227 road closures, including NH-3 and NH-305. Shimla reported 212 disruptions, Mandi 205, and Chamba 166. Other districts affected include Sirmaur with 48 roads shut, Kangra 41, Una 32, Solan 27, Bilaspur 21, Lahaul and Spiti 15 including NH-505, Kinnaur seven, and Hamirpur three.
The downpour has also left thousands without electricity. A total of 1,992 distribution transformers are non-functional across the state. Kullu is the worst hit, with 867 transformers out of service, followed by 454 in Shimla, 308 in Mandi, 168 in Solan, and 160 in Chamba. Sirmaur reported 31 transformers down, Kinnaur three, and Lahaul and Spiti one.
“The situation is serious as continuous rain is hampering both road clearance and power restoration,” an SEOC official said, noting that emergency teams are deployed to reopen major highways and restore essential services.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious as landslides and flash floods remain a threat. “Our priority is to ensure safety of the public while gradually restoring connectivity and electricity,” officials mentioned.
With the monsoon showing no signs of withdrawal, officials said Himachal Pradesh should brace for more disruptions over the weekend.
