Heavy Rains Trigger Chaos in Himachal Pradesh: Over 400 Roads Closed, ₹1,692 Crore in Damages

Relentless rainfall since Friday evening has once again battered Himachal Pradesh, forcing the closure of more than 400 roads across the state and triggering widespread disruption.
In Mandi district—through which key routes like the highway to Kullu-Manali pass—174 roads were shut down. Chamba district reported over 100 road closures, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).
Rising water levels in the Beas River and its tributaries have caused further concern. A portion of a bridge near Sujanpur Tira in Hamirpur district has developed cracks, raising fears about structural stability.
Flash floods also damaged infrastructure at the Malana-II Hydropower Project, where a partial breach in a cofferdam was reported. Dramatic video footage showed a dumper truck, a rock breaker, and a car being swept away by the swollen Malana River.
Una district, located in the lower hills bordering Punjab, recorded the state’s highest rainfall at a staggering 260.8 mm. Streets and markets were inundated, and educational institutions have been closed until further notice. Flooding also hit the Chandigarh-Dharamshala National Highway, disrupting traffic.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the state government is on full alert and monitoring the situation closely. District administrations have been directed to take urgent steps to ensure the safety of residents in affected areas.
Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, the state has recorded losses amounting to ₹1,692 crore, officials said. So far, 101 lives have been lost to rain-related incidents, with 36 people still missing. Over 1,600 houses have been either fully or partially damaged.
In total, Himachal has experienced 51 flash floods, 28 cloudbursts, and 45 major landslides during this monsoon season.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla visited Mandi district on Saturday to assess the damage and meet with affected families. Speaking to media, he said, “The people of Himachal Pradesh have always shown remarkable courage and resilience in the face of adversity. The administration is working with urgency and dedication to provide relief and restore normalcy.”
