Himachal Rains: 261 Dead Since June, 361 Roads Blocked, Power & Water Supply Hit

Heavy monsoon rains continue to batter Himachal Pradesh, crippling road, power and water supply networks across the state.

The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) said on Sunday that 361 roads, including three national highways, remain blocked, while 637 distribution transformers (DTRs) and 115 water supply schemes are disrupted.

Since June 20, 261 people have lost their lives, including 136 in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods and house collapses, and 125 in road accidents caused by slippery conditions and poor visibility.

Mandi is the worst-hit district, with 201 road blockages including the NH-03, and 448 transformers damaged. In Kullu, 63 roads are closed due to landslides, including NH-305 at Khanag. Kinnaur also reported disruption on NH-05 at Tinku Nalla. Lahaul-Spiti recorded 112 transformer failures due to high-tension line faults. Water supply schemes have been badly hit in Kullu and Mandi.

Authorities said restoration is underway on a “war footing”, but persistent downpours and recurring landslides are hampering operations. Residents have been urged to avoid non-essential travel as forecasts warn of more rain in the days ahead.