213 Roads Closed In HP, MIssues 'Yellow' Alert For Heavy Rain Till Aug 19

Landslides and flash floods triggered by continuous rains have led to the closure of 213 roads across Himachal Pradesh. The local meteorological office has issued a 'yellow' warning for more heavy rainfall in isolated parts of the state until August 19.

Casualties and Financial Losses

According to officials, 110 people have been killed in rain-related incidents, and the state has suffered losses amounting to approximately Rs 1,004 crore between June 27 and August 12. The Public Works Department (PWD) has incurred the maximum losses, estimated at Rs 437 crore.

Efforts to Reopen Roads and Ensure Supply Chains

Road reopening operations are ongoing, and officials have been directed to prioritize the transportation of apples and other fruits and vegetables to the market. PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh shared this update with PTI on Tuesday.

Kinnaur District and Other Affected Areas

Kinnaur district remains cut off from Shimla due to a landslide in Negulsari. Meanwhile, vehicular traffic on the Shimla-Kalka National Highway is moving slowly due to fog, which has reduced visibility in several areas.

Tunnel Collapse Near Shimla

A portion of an under-construction tunnel on the Kaithalighat-Dhalli stretch of the Kalka-Shimla four-lane project near Shimla collapsed following a massive landslide. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported in this incident. The landslide occurred near Chalaunti in the suburbs of Shimla, causing a part of the mountain to fall on the tunnel’s entry point.

Road Closures by District

The State Emergency Operation Centre reported that 89 roads were closed in Shimla, 42 in Sirmaur, 37 in Mandi, 26 in Kullu, six in Kangra, five in Chamba, and four each in Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti as of Tuesday morning.

Rainfall and Temperature Updates

Since Monday evening, Naina Devi recorded the highest rainfall at 96.4 mm, followed by Dharamshala (51 mm), Kangra (30.2 mm), Kandaghat (10.4 mm), Kahu (9.2 mm), and Kufri (6.4 mm).

Power and Water Supply Disruptions

Additionally, 218 power and 131 water supply schemes have been affected due to the ongoing rains and landslides.

Weather Forecast and Warnings

The meteorological office has issued a 'yellow' alert for heavy rain in isolated parts of the state until Saturday. Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest temperature last night at 10.1 degrees Celsius, while Bajura was the hottest during the day with a maximum temperature of 34.1 degrees Celsius.