TNR News Network
SHIMLA:
Relentless rainfall and landslides continue to wreak havoc across Himachal Pradesh, throwing life out of gear in multiple districts. As of Wednesday (August 20, 2025) morning, 402 roads, including three national highways, remain closed, isolating many villages and cutting off access to essential services.
The ongoing monsoon fury has also left a grim trail of destruction as 276 persons have lost their lives in rain-related incidents since June 20, while over 3,000 homes and shops have suffered damage. The state government estimates total losses at Rs 2,173.5 crore.
Heavy overnight rainfall triggered flashfloods in several areas. In Kullu’s Pej village, a local stream suddenly overflowed, sending water and debris rushing into nearby roads and homes. In Solan, floodwater and mud from a blocked culvert near Jatoli spilled over onto the main road, disrupting traffic and inundating nearby houses.
Maximum damage suffered in Mandi, Kullu districts
In Bilaspur’s Shastrinagar, a local drain overflowed, flooding shops and stranding vehicles in sludge. District officials in Mandi and Kullu confirmed that their regions currently report the highest number of road closures.
The intense rain has impacted 550 power transformers and 132 water supply schemes, leaving several villages in darkness and without drinking water. In Manali and Banjar subdivisions, all educational institutions were closed on Wednesday as a precautionary measure.
In Una district, which received heavy downpour since early morning, the administration ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, ITIs, vocational centres and anganwadis in Amb and Gagret subdivisions for August 20. Floodwaters entered classrooms in a government school in Takrala, submerging furniture and damaging school records.
The Swan river in Una is currently in spate, with flood-like conditions reported in nearby villages. Water has entered fields and roads, leaving residents in panic and damaging standing crops. Local farmers fear significant losses. The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has predicted continued rainfall across several districts till August 26, with a yellow alert in place for August 20, 22 and 23, and an orange alert for August 24 to 26.
