Heavy Rain Forces Closure of 14 Roads in Himachal, Yellow Alert Issued

Shimla: Heavy Rains Close 14 Roads in Himachal Pradesh

In Himachal Pradesh, 14 roads have been closed due to heavy rains, with the local meteorological office issuing a yellow alert until July 26.

So far, 44 people have died in rain-related incidents, and the state has incurred losses of about Rs 333 crore since the monsoon season began on June 27, according to the state emergency operation centre.

Mandi district has the highest number of road closures with 11 roads affected, followed by Kinnaur with two and Kangra with one. Additionally, 31 transformers have been disrupted, the centre reported.

The National Highway-5 (NH-5), which connects Shimla and Kinnaur districts, reopened for traffic early Monday after being blocked for four hours due to a landslide at Nigulsari in Kinnaur district. Officials stated that the landslide occurred on Sunday night, and no casualties were reported.

Nigulsari is known for frequent landslides, with a significant one occurring in the same spot last September.

The meteorological office has warned of a low to moderate risk of flash floods in isolated parts of Kangra, Mandi, and Chamba districts over the next 24 hours. It also cautioned about potential damage to plantations, standing crops, vulnerable structures, and kutcha houses due to strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Intermittent rains have affected several parts of the state in the last 24 hours.