- Himachal monsoon claims 17 lives, causing widespread devastation.
- Over 120 roads closed due to landslides and debris.
- IMD issues yellow alert for heavy rainfall in districts.
Himachal Monsoon: Heavy rainfall has battered Himachal Pradesh, wreaking havoc across several parts of the state by triggering landslides, flooding, road closures, and widespread disruption. Solan recorded the highest rainfall, while Sirmaur and Shimla also received significant rainfall in a single day.
As of July 11, at least 17 people had died in various rain-related incidents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in several districts, including Kullu and Shimla. More than 120 roads across the state remain closed due to landslides and debris.
Three More Rain-Related Deaths
In Kullu district, 70-year-old Shiv Ram, a resident of Dhogidhar village, died after being struck on the head by a boulder that fell from a hillside in Ghaladnala under the Anni subdivision. He was walking to Chwai Market, located about two kilometres from his home.
In a separate incident, a 62-year-old man died after slipping from a rain-soaked forest trail while grazing goats. He fell into a 100-metre-deep gorge after losing his footing on the slippery path.
Meanwhile, Rohit Kumar (25), a native of Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, who was living in a rented room in Jamniwala, died from a snakebite amid the heavy rainfall.
Five Injured After Rock Hits Moving Car
At least five members of a family from Arki were injured after a boulder rolled down a hillside and struck their moving car on the Gambharpul-Sarli route in Narwar village near Kunihar in Solan district. Two women sustained critical injuries and were referred to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, for treatment.
Landslides Disrupt Highways and Traffic Chaos
Heavy rain on Thursday night triggered multiple landslides across the state. Rocks and debris fell on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway near Hanogi Bazaar, forcing temporary disruption. The highway was reopened for heavy vehicles at 7 am on Friday.
Stonefall continued near Jhalogi, where a boulder struck a car carrying tourists from Delhi. Fortunately, they escaped without serious injuries. Fresh landslides were also reported from Inner Akhara Bazaar in Kullu and parts of the Mandi district.
Homes Flooded, Families Trapped
In Kala Amb, an industrial area in Sirmaur district, roads were submerged as rainwater flooded homes, shops, and industrial units. Factories in Mirpur Kotla were inundated, damaging raw materials and finished products. Industrial production was severely affected as many workers reached their workplaces two to three hours late due to waterlogging.
In Nahan, the retaining wall (danga) of the Sirmaur Royal Palace collapsed in Joshion Wali Gali near Bada Chowk, trapping around 40 people from eight families inside their homes. Several parts of Kala Amb also remained inundated following continuous rainfall.
River Levels Rise; Dam Gates Opened
Water levels in the Giri, Bata, Jalal, Tonnes, and Yamuna rivers have risen sharply due to continuous rainfall. As a precautionary measure, all 10 gates of the Giri Jatton Dam have been opened.
In Shimla's Vikasnagar area, falling boulders damaged two parked vehicles during the night. In Tutu, uprooted trees briefly disrupted traffic before being cleared. More than 120 link roads remain closed across Himachal Pradesh, with restoration work underway.
IMD Issues Yellow Alert in Himachal
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Saturday in Sirmaur, Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Chamba districts, warning of heavy rainfall.
For July 12 and 13, the yellow alert will remain in effect for Sirmaur, Solan, Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, and Kangra districts, where heavy rainfall is expected.
