Pallavi Sharma
Dharamshala: Heavy rains across Himachal Pradesh have triggered landslides in multiple regions, disrupting normal life and cutting off key road links. The most significant impact has been reported on the Dharamshala-Kangra National Highway, where a major landslide near Sakoh brought vehicular movement to a grinding halt early Friday (June 20, 2025) morning.
The landslide blocked the crucial highway used by hundreds of tourists and daily commuters. The traffic has been diverted through Mataur.
Widespread disruption amid ongoing rain
The rainfall, which began late Thursday night, has continued into Friday, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of further landslides. In Shimla, dense fog and steady downpours shrouded the city throughout the morning, casting a shadowy gloom even during daylight hours.
In another incident, a landslide near Hatni Ki Dhar in the Jatogh Cantonment area of Shimla completely obstructed the main road. A vehicle caught in the slide was badly damaged, although its occupants were reportedly safe.
Meanwhile, local residents and schoolchildren in Mandi district’s Pandoh area faced hardship after water from the first monsoon showers flooded the premises of Shaheed Inder Singh Government Senior Secondary School. With the school field and main entrance submerged, students were seen walking barefoot through ankle-deep water to reach their classrooms.
“This happens every year during monsoon season. Despite repeated requests, no permanent drainage system has been built, and the broken boundary wall from last year still hasn’t been repaired,” said a parent.
Alerts issued as monsoon gathers strength
The Meteorological Department in Shimla has issued a yellow and orange alert for the next seven days, warning of heavy rainfall in several parts of the state. Yellow alerts are in place for June 20, 21 and 24 while orange alerts have been issued for June 22, 23, 25 and 26.
Officials say the conditions are now favourable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon across parts of Himachal over the next two to three days.
Significant rainfall recorded overnight includes 84.7 mm in Nahan, 35 mm in Pandoh, 26.3 mm in Slappar and over 19 mm in Paonta Sahib and Jogindernagar.