Heavy monsoon rains have been battering Himachal Pradesh for the past five days, triggering rain-related incidents, fatalities, and widespread disruption to normal life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that monsoon activity is likely to intensify further from July 5 and has issued ‘Orange’ and ‘Yellow’ alerts for heavy rainfall across several parts of the state until July 12.
In the Lahaul-Spiti district, continuous rainfall has caused large boulders and debris to flow into the Jahalma stream, leading to the formation of a lake on the Chandrabhaga River. The water body has now expanded to over one kilometre.
The rising water level has submerged the Jobrang Bridge and nearby farms. As a result, river flow over the bridge has cut off connectivity to Jobrang, Rape, and Rachael villages.
Although the problem of debris flowing into the Jahalma stream has persisted for the past four years. Now, with repeated flooding causing severe soil erosion and worsening conditions for local residents.
Jahalma Stream Is A Major Concern
The bridge over the Jahalma stream was earlier damaged in a landslide in May. Since then, residents of the Udaipur subdivision and Pangi Valley have been dependent on a temporary Bailey bridge built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Although work on a permanent bridge is underway, movement along the Manali–Tandi route continues to remain difficult.
(Jobrang Bridge submerged in a lake on the Chandrabhaga River. Jagran )
Meanwhile, rising water levels in the Jahalma, Mayar, and Jispa streams are creating daily travel disruptions, with streams swelling significantly after noon and affecting commuters. In the Mayar Valley, flood-like conditions in several streams have further added to the challenges faced by locals. Authorities have advised residents to travel only after checking weather and road conditions.
The newly formed lake is also posing a potential threat to villages such as Jasrath and Firoth, with the possible risk extending up to parts of the Pangi Valley.
Flood-like situations, roads blocked
Rainfall was recorded in several parts of the state over the last 24 hours, leading to flood-like conditions in some areas and disrupting normal life. Traffic on national highways was briefly interrupted at several locations due to debris accumulation but was subsequently restored.
In a separate incident, the Sanawar Gaon–Kasauli road remained blocked for several hours on Saturday evening after large boulders rolled down an excavated hillside, stranding commuters.
So far, the ongoing southwest monsoon has claimed 14 lives across Himachal Pradesh.