Himachal monsoon: 153 roads blocked, power and water supply hit

Heavy monsoon rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has left 153 roads blocked, 191 power transformers defunct, and 58 water schemes non-functional. Sirmaur and Mandi are the worst-hit districts. Restoration work is ongoing amid an IMD rain forecast.

Heavy monsoon rainfall continued to disrupt normal life across Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, with 153 roads remaining blocked, 191 power distribution transformers (DTRs) out of service and 58 water supply schemes affected, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).

Widespread Infrastructure Damage

Road Connectivity Disrupted

The latest SEOC report issued on Tuesday evening said restoration work was underway in the affected districts, with teams deployed to clear roads, restore electricity supply and repair damaged water infrastructure. Of the 153 blocked roads, Mandi district accounted for the highest number with 51, followed by Sirmaur (39), Kullu (36) and Shimla (15). The number of blocked roads showed a marginal improvement from 157 reported earlier in the day, but remained significantly higher than Monday evening's figure of 109. The report said no National Highway was blocked as of Tuesday evening.

Power and Water Supply Hit

The power sector also suffered extensive damage, with 191 distribution transformers disrupted across the state. Sirmaur district was the worst affected, accounting for 143 disrupted transformers, followed by Mandi with 35 and Shimla with 12. Drinking water supply was also hit, with 58 water supply schemes reported non-functional, more than double the 28 schemes affected earlier in the day. Sirmaur reported the highest number of disrupted schemes at 28, followed by Shimla with 19, affecting water supply in several areas.

Restoration Efforts and Weather Forecast

The adverse weather impacted multiple districts, including Mandi, Sirmaur, Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur and Una. Authorities said restoration work was continuing on a war footing, with road-clearing machinery, electricity department staff and water supply teams working to restore essential services in the rain-affected areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall over the coming days, prompting authorities to advise residents and travellers to remain cautious, particularly in landslide- and flood-prone areas.

Speaking to ANI on Monday in Shimla, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist, IMD Himachal Pradesh, said the state is expected to remain under the influence of an active monsoon during the next four to five days. "Rainfall activity is likely to continue across Himachal Pradesh from August 3 to 7 under active monsoon conditions. Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places during this period, but as of now no flash flood warning has been issued for the state," Sharma said. (ANI)

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