TNR News Network
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh witnessed a night of relentless rain, triggering landslides, flooding and widespread disruption across several districts.
In the higher reaches, the season’s first snowfall was reported at Shinkula Pass in Lahaul-Spiti even as torrential showers forced authorities to declare a holiday in schools and colleges of Una, Kangra, Chamba, Hamirpur, Solan, Kullu, Bilaspur, Lahaul-Spiti and Mandi on Monday (August 25).
Houses damaged, roads blocked
The downpour left a trail of destruction across the hill state. In Dharamshala’s Sudher area, a three-storey house collapsed like a pack of cards, while several homes and farmland were submerged in Indora in Kangra where cars were seen floating in floodwaters.
In Chamba’s Bharmour region, a massive landslide damaged a house while in Shimla’s Panjari near the ISBT, a retaining wall in front of a multi-storey building gave way, posing a safety threat to residents.
Hundreds stranded as highways closed
The Chandigarh-Manali and Pathankot-Bharmour national highways along with nearly 482 other roads remain blocked due to landslides. With vehicles and tourists stranded along roadside stretches, devotees on their way to the Manimahesh pilgrimage in Chamba have also been left stuck.
Meanwhile, rising water levels in the Beas forced authorities to issue an alert at Pandoh Dam, warning locals and tourists to stay away from riverbanks.
IMD issues fresh alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted no immediate respite, warning of more rain in the coming days. A yellow alert has been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra and Mandi on August 25, and for Shimla and Sirmaur on August 26.
