Himachal weather: 115 roads blocked as heavy rain causes major disruption, orange alert issued for 2 days
Himachal Pradesh has been experiencing heavy rains, leading to significant disruptions in traffic and infrastructure across the state.
As of 10 am on Thursday (July 4, 2024), the State Emergency Operations Centre reported that traffic was blocked on 115 roads due to landslides and debris. Mandi district is the most affected, with numerous roads completely obstructed.
In addition to the road blockages, 212 power transformers are disrupted and 17 water supply schemes have been affected due to siltation. The heavy rainfall was recorded in various parts of the state, including the capital Shimla. Sundernagar recorded 110.9 mm, Palampur 109.4 mm, Baghi 84.6 mm, Shimla 84 mm, Gohar 80 mm, Solan 79.8 mm, Mashobra 78.5 mm, Jogindernagar 75 mm and Baijnath 70 mm.
Sundernagar area most affected
In Sundernagar area of Mandi district, several roads have been blocked due to continuous rain since late last night. Sub-Divisional Officer Girish Samra has advised residents to avoid travelling on these roads.
The affected roads include Salapad-Serakothi road, Pandar-Tatapani road, Maloh-Kateru road, Khurahal-Kandar road, Kateru-Salapad-Podakothi road, Karangal-Kinder road and Salapad-Tatapani road. The Sarkaghat-Maseran road is blocked due to a landslide near Maseran Galu.
The Sub-Divisional Officer has urged people to avoid travelling in hilly areas during heavy rains. In case of emergencies, residents should contact the sub-divisional administration or the district administration at 01907-266001.
The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain in many parts of the state for Thursday and Friday. A yellow alert for heavy rain is in place from July 6 to July 10.
The weather remains adverse in Shimla and surrounding areas, with heavy rains continuing from last night into Thursday morning. Debris caused by the rain has affected vehicular movement in Shimla’s Vikasnagar and a fallen tree near Himland exacerbated the situation. On the Shimla-Chakkar-Bilaspur road, rain-induced debris halted traffic, but the road has since been reopened.
