August 3, 2025

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh - As the monsoon continues to wreak havoc across Himachal Pradesh, essential services are facing significant disruptions, leading to widespread challenges for residents and authorities. On August 2, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), a staggering 383 roads remain blocked, with 747 distribution transformers (DTRs) disrupted and 249 water supply schemes down. This situation marks a significant escalation from previous days. The monsoon has rendered major national highways impassable, including NH-305, NH-505, NH-21, and NH-03, due to landslides and the accumulation of debris. Interior roads in districts such as Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, and Una are also inaccessible, severely hindering rescue and repair operations. According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 173 lives have been lost due to rain-related incidents and road accidents since the monsoon began. Out of these, 95 deaths are directly linked to severe weather events like landslides, flash floods, and house collapses. Furthermore, 78 fatalities have occurred in road accidents, many attributed to slippery conditions and poor visibility resulting from the continued rainfall. The most affected districts regarding essential services and infrastructure damage include: 1. **Chamba**: 89 roads blocked, 171 DTRs down, and 93 water supply schemes disrupted. 2. **Kullu**: 67 roads blocked (including national highways), with 188 power feeders disrupted. 3. **Mandi**: 181 roads blocked, 82 power lines down, and 186 water supply schemes affected. 4. **Una**: 3 roads blocked, 205 DTRs affected, and 26 water schemes disrupted. Additionally, heavy rains have closed critical stretches of highways in tribal districts like Lahaul-Spiti, with NH-505 shut near Chhatru. Landslides have also blocked NH-305 in Kullu around Jhed (Khanag). In response to these challenges, authorities have made attempts to temporarily restore some affected irrigation and sewerage schemes. However, full recovery and normalization may take time due to ongoing weather challenges and dangerous conditions. The SDMA is actively monitoring the situation and working in coordination with local administrations to provide relief and facilitate restoration efforts. As rescue teams work tirelessly to manage the impacts of the monsoon, the residents of Himachal Pradesh face a daunting and precarious situation, with safety and essential services remaining critically affected.

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Tags: Himachal pradesh, Monsoon, Disasters, Roadblocks, Sdma, Infrastructure damage,