Himachal weather: Rain wreaks havoc, 135 roads shut across state, landslides disrupt life in Shimla

Intermittent rainfall continues to batter Himachal Pradesh, causing widespread disruption across the state. Capital Shimla has been receiving rain since early Thursday (August 29, 2024) morning, leading to multiple landslides that have wreaked havoc on transportation and infrastructure.

As of 10 am, 135 roads, including a major national highway, have been shut down across Himachal Pradesh and a crucial bridge has been damaged too.

Also Read: https://thenewzradar.com/himachal-weather-yellow-alert-for-heavy-rain-issued-in-10-districts-tomorrow/

132 power transformers stalled

The persistent downpour has also taken a toll on the state’s power grid, with 132 electricity transformers stalled, plunging several areas into darkness. As many as 54 water supply schemes have also been disrupted, leaving thousands without access to clean water. The districts of Shimla, Mandi, Kullu and Sirmaur have been hit particularly hard by these disruptions.

Landslide again blocks Kinnaur highway

The Chandigarh-Kinnaur National Highway-5 has been again closed due to a major landslide in Nigulsari in Kinnaur, with debris from the hillside continuing to fall and blocking efforts to clear the road.

In Shimla, several landslides have caused extensive damage to buildings. The situation is especially dire on Chakkar road, where continuous landslides threaten to cut off access to lower Himachal altogether.

Cracks on NH near Shoghi

Adding to the woes, cracks have appeared on the NH near Shoghi in Shimla, forcing authorities to implement one-way traffic to ensure safety. On Wednesday evening, the Rich Mount-Navbahar road near Machhi Wali Kothi collapsed, causing an old two-storey house to collapse.

The landslide has swept away half of the road, halting vehicle movement entirely. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh and Municipal Corporation Mayor Surender Chauhan visited the site to assess the damage.

Forecast for more heavy rain

The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in some areas on Thursday. With rain continuing since morning, the forecast predicts that the wet weather will persist across many parts of the state until September 4. Another yellow alert for heavy rain has been issued for September 2.