Flash Floods and Landslides Leave Widespread Damage; Hundreds of Roads Blocked

Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the impact of heavy monsoon rainfall as flash floods, landslides and road blockages escalate across many districts. Over the past 24 hours, intense downpours in Bilaspur, Mandi, Kullu and other parts of the state have disrupted daily life, left several roads impassable, damaged property and infrastructure, and triggered emergency response measures. Officials report that more than 600 roads are currently blocked throughout the state—202 in Kullu, 198 in Mandi, and many others in Bilaspur and Shimla being among the worst affected. These blockages are due to debris from landslides, overflowing rivers, and washed‐away surfaces. In Bilaspur's Matnoh village, a flash flood swept through agricultural land, damaging crops and trapping two buses under debris along the Ghumarwin-Bilaspur road. Markets, homes, and low-lying areas in Bilaspur town have been inundated, and floodwaters have disrupted movement of goods and people. In Mandi, severe rain caused higher water levels in streams and rivers, flooding homes and streets in areas like Sain Mohalla. Landslides have occurred along steep slopes and recurrent zones of weakness, particularly those that had been exposed by prior construction or deforestation. Power supply has suffered in many villages, with dozens of transformers damaged and lines cut off. Water supply schemes in dozens of villages are also disrupted, hampering access to drinking water. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) is coordinating with district administrations to mount rescue efforts, clear roads, and reach isolated areas. Interim shelters are being set up for families with damaged homes, while medical teams move in to address injuries and prevent waterborne diseases. Local authorities are conducting risk assessments, especially in vulnerable zones with history of landslides, with recommendations to temporarily relocate certain households. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has appealed to people to exercise caution, especially in affected districts. Instructions have been given to forest department teams and local bodies to monitor slopes and warn residents in high-risk areas. He has also asked for expedited work on repairing damaged roads and bridges. Meanwhile, district administrations are surveying the damage to agricultural crops, with many farmers reporting substantial losses of maize, vegetables, and seasonal fruits due to waterlogging and landslide mud deposits. Impact on schools and essential services has been considerable. Several schools in Mandi and Bilaspur have been temporarily shut, and classes shifted where possible to online or alternate venues until roads are cleared. Essential supplies are being airlifted or carried via alternate route networks to isolate damaged zones. Relief efforts include distribution of clean water, dry food, and medical aid in severely hit areas. The government has also released emergency funds and asked central assistance for major restoration work. As monsoon wanes in many parts, Himachal Pradesh still faces spikes of rain in certain districts. Authorities are urging residents to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and heed local advisories. The recent disaster underscored gaps in infrastructure resilience, and officials have pledged long-term planning: strengthening slope stabilization, improving drainage systems, and enacting stricter land use rules. With recovery efforts now focused on restoring connectivity and ensuring safety, state administration emphasizes community participation and early warning systems as key to minimizing future damage.