Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides and Flash Floods in Himachal Pradesh

Strategic Insights -

Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday caused landslides and flash floods, blocking 129 roads, including the Chandigarh-Shimla highway and the Kalka-Shimla heritage railway line. The weather department has issued a red alert for Monday, warning of no respite from the heavy rain. The landslides caused significant disruptions, with the highest number of blocked roads being in Sirmaur district, followed by Mandi and Kullu. The rain also disrupted the movement of six trains on the heritage line, with officials working to clear the tracks.

Key Takeaways:

  • 129 roads were blocked due to landslides and flash floods, including the Chandigarh-Shimla highway and the Kalka-Shimla heritage railway line.
  • The highest number of blocked roads was in Sirmaur district, with 57 roads, followed by Mandi with 44 and Kullu with 19.
  • Landslides occurred on Shimla-Chamyana and Arki-Shalaghat roads in Solan, blocking traffic for hours.
  • Flash floods swept through several districts, including Mandi and Hamirpur, with even rivulets overflowing.
  • The under-construction railway tunnel in Jagatkhana, Bilaspur district, was flooded, and the flood gates of Pandoh dam in Mandi district were opened.
  • Shimla Met office recorded the highest rainfall of 98.3mm in Solan district, followed by 73.2mm in Mandi.
  • The state recorded an average rainfall of 22.3mm, which was 313% more than the normal of 5.4mm.
  • There's an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday in Una, Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur districts.
  • According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 20 monsoon-related deaths have occurred since June 20 in Himachal Pradesh.

Statistics:

  • 129 roads were blocked due to landslides and flash floods.
  • 57 roads were blocked in Sirmaur district.
  • 44 roads were blocked in Mandi district.
  • 19 roads were blocked in Kullu district.
  • 98.3mm was the highest rainfall recorded in Solan district.
  • 22.3mm was the average rainfall in the state, which was 313% more than the normal of 5.4mm.
  • 20 monsoon-related deaths have occurred since June 20 in Himachal Pradesh.

Sources:

  • TIMES NEWS NETWORK Shimla: