Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the impact of relentless rain-triggered floods and landslides, which have severely disrupted connectivity and essential services across the state. Since the onset of monsoon on June 20, the state has suffered damages worth INR 1,626 crore, with 95 fatalities and 36 people reported missing due to rain-related incidents.
On Friday, fresh landslides blocked several key roadways, including the Chandigarh-Manali and Manali-Leh National Highways, stranding hundreds of vehicles and causing massive traffic snarls. A particularly severe slide at Kainch Mor near the Pandoh dam in Mandi district injured a taxi driver and destroyed his vehicle. Another section of the Shivabadar Road caved in, severing access to Shivabadar village.
Restoration efforts have been hampered by continuous rainfall. Officials deployed men and machinery across affected stretches, but progress remained slow. One-way traffic is expected to resume on some routes, including the Chandigarh-Manali NH-21 near Samlatu in Bilaspur, once rains subside.
Landslide at Masheran Nallah Blocks Manali-Leh NH
In Lahaul and Spiti, a landslide triggered by floods at Masheran nallah scattered boulders and debris across the Manali-Leh NH-3 at Jispa. Locals reported hearing a loud noise before floodwaters gushed down the slopes, damaging fields and knocking out electricity in the area.
MLA Anuradha Rana confirmed that machinery had been dispatched and the administration was working on clearing the debris.
Statewide Disruption
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), a total of 291 roads, including 171 in Mandi district alone, remain blocked. The floods have also knocked out 416 power transformers and 219 water supply schemes.
Bilaspur DC Rahul Kumar urged locals and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from water bodies, citing an increased risk of landslides.
Flash Floods, Cloudbursts and Warnings
Himachal has experienced 44 flash floods, 27 cloudbursts, and 40 major landslides since June 20. Over 1,472 homes have been fully or partially damaged.
The local Meteorological Office has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain in isolated parts of 3–10 districts till Tuesday. On Friday, Bhattiyat (Chamba) recorded the highest rainfall at 118 mm, followed by Banjar (52.4 mm) and Bharari (45.2 mm).