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If you were planning a monsoon getaway to India’s cool hill stations this August, you may want to pause. From Himachal Pradesh’s Chandigarh–Manali highway
and Kullu to Jammu & Kashmir’s Machail Mata Yatra, Kishtwar and now Kathua, the hills are reeling under cloudbursts, flash floods, and massive landslides. Hundreds of roads are blocked, highways cut off, and entire villages isolated. This year’s India monsoon has already claimed lives, washed away infrastructure, and disrupted travel across the Himalayas. Here’s everything you need to know before you pack your bags.
Massive Road Shutdowns In Himachal Pradesh
As of August 17, 2025, Himachal Pradesh recorded a staggering 313 road closures, including two national highways (NH-305 and NH-05), due to intense monsoon-triggered landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts. Mandi district bore the brunt with 175 blocked roads, followed by Kullu with 64.Flash Floods Block Chandigarh–Manali Highway
Heavy rains triggered flash floods across the Mandi–Kullu stretch of the Chandigarh–Manali National Highway. Dramatic videos show torrents of muddy water blocking sections of the highway and freezing traffic. Although authorities are actively working on restoration, expect delays and traffic jams.Also Read: 7 Killed As Cloudburst Cuts Off Remote Village In J&K's Kathua; Rescue Ops Enter Day 4 in Kishtwar
Jammu & Kashmir Devastated By Cloudburst; Machail Yatra Suspended
In a catastrophic development, a cloudburst in Chositi, Kishtwar district, unleashed flash floods along the Machail Mata yatra route. Initial death toll estimates ranged from 37 to over 46, with hundreds still missing or trapped under debris. The pilgrimage has been suspended, and rescue operations continue amid washed-away roads, destroyed infrastructure, and dangerous conditions. And another severe cloudburst has hit a remote village in J&K's Kathua district, and claimed seven lives, officials said on Sunday.Flash Floods And Roadblockages in Vidarbha, Maharashtra
In Yavatmal, Amravati, and Akola, torrential rain and cloudburst-like conditions have caused flash floods, river swelling, and infrastructure collapse. Seventeen villages were left cut off; NH-6 was temporarily blocked due to a landslide in Tiwsa, later cleared by local authorities. Major roads in Akola city were submerged, halting commuter movement.Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
A powerful cloudburst struck Dharali village in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, two weeks ago, triggering severe flash floods. The sudden surge of water swept away houses, trees, and vehicles. Reportedly, it left hundreds of people stranded and caused multiple fatalities. According to officials, 42 people are missing, including nine army personnel, eight residents of Dharali village, five from nearby areas, one person from Tehri district, 13 from Bihar and six from Uttar Pradesh. Apart from these, 29 Nepali labourers were also reported missing initially, out of which five have been contacted after the restoration of mobile network in the area, he said.
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