Himachal Pradesh continued to face the impact of persistent rainfall on Sunday, with 64 roads closed to vehicular traffic and 225 power transformers disrupted across the state. Nine water supply schemes were also affected as rain continued to lash several parts of the hill state.
The latest disruption comes as the Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall at isolated places from August 31 to September 3, raising concerns over further road blockages and infrastructure disruptions.
According to the state emergency operations centre, Mandi recorded the highest number of road closures, with 24 roads shut for traffic. Kullu followed with 16 closed roads, while Kangra and Sirmaur reported seven closures each.
Una had four roads closed, followed by Shimla with three, Chamba with two and Lahaul and Spiti with one.
Himachal Pradesh Weather: Heavy Rain Warning From August 31
The weather office has warned of heavy rainfall at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh from Monday, August 31, through Thursday, September 3.
The yellow alert comes after light to moderate rainfall was recorded across parts of the state since Saturday evening. With several roads already affected, additional rainfall could further disrupt connectivity in vulnerable mountainous areas.
The possibility of intense rain at isolated locations is particularly important for districts where roads are susceptible to landslides, falling debris and other weather-related damage.
Dhaulakuan Records 38.5 mm Rainfall
Several areas recorded notable rainfall during the latest spell.
Dhaulakuan received the highest rainfall at 38.5 mm, followed by Ghaghas at 30 mm. Palampur recorded 23.8 mm, while Murari Devi received 22 mm.
Other rainfall figures included:
- Dhaulakuan: 38.5 mm
- Ghaghas: 30 mm
- Palampur: 23.8 mm
- Murari Devi: 22 mm
- Kahu: 11.6 mm
- Pandoh: 10 mm
The weather department also reported thunderstorms and lightning in Sundernagar and Murari Devi.
64 Roads Closed Across Himachal Pradesh
The continuing rainfall has disrupted road connectivity in multiple districts.
As of Sunday morning, 64 roads were closed for vehicular traffic across Himachal Pradesh, according to the state emergency operations centre.
Mandi was the worst affected district, with 24 road closures, while Kullu had 16.
The district-wise breakdown was:
| District | Roads Closed |
|---|---|
| Mandi | 24 |
| Kullu | 16 |
| Kangra | 7 |
| Sirmaur | 7 |
| Una | 4 |
| Shimla | 3 |
| Chamba | 2 |
| Lahaul and Spiti | 1 |
| Total | 64 |
The road closures could affect local transportation and connectivity, particularly in hilly and remote areas. With more rain forecast in the coming days, authorities are likely to keep vulnerable routes under close watch.
225 Power Transformers, 9 Water Schemes Disrupted
The rainfall has also affected essential infrastructure.
According to the latest figures, 225 power transformers were disrupted, while nine water supply schemes were affected across Himachal Pradesh.
The disruption to electricity and water infrastructure adds to the challenges caused by blocked roads, particularly for communities in areas experiencing continued rainfall.
Himachal Pradesh Rain Damage Crosses ₹1,184 Crore
The prolonged monsoon has already caused substantial damage across the state.
Since the onset of the monsoon on June 30, Himachal Pradesh has suffered estimated losses of around ₹1,184 crore, officials said.
The financial damage reflects the impact of repeated adverse weather on infrastructure and essential services. Road closures, electricity disruptions and damage to water supply systems can have a direct impact on communities and economic activity.
103 People Killed in Rain-Related Incidents
The human toll has also been significant.
Officials said that about 103 people have died in rain-related incidents since the onset of the monsoon on June 30.
The latest figures highlight the risks associated with prolonged rainfall in a mountainous state such as Himachal Pradesh, where heavy downpours can trigger landslides, flash floods, road accidents and other hazards.
What Next for Himachal Pradesh?
The weather situation is likely to remain unsettled over the next few days. The yellow warning from August 31 to September 3 indicates the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated locations, even as light to moderate showers continue in parts of the state.
With 64 roads already closed, hundreds of power transformers disrupted and nine water supply schemes affected, further rainfall could create additional challenges for connectivity and essential services.
Residents and travellers in Himachal Pradesh should keep track of official weather and road advisories, particularly when travelling through vulnerable mountainous areas.
For now, the combination of continued rainfall, a four-day heavy rain warning, widespread infrastructure disruptions and ₹1,184 crore in reported losses keeps Himachal Pradesh firmly on weather alert.
