Normal life was thrown out of gear in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday after heavy rains triggered flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides across several districts, leading to the closure of schools and colleges
in parts of Una, Kullu and Mandi.
Educational Institutions Closed For Safety
As a precautionary measure, schools were shut in Amb and Gagret subdivisions of Una, while similar orders were issued in Manali and Banjar areas of Kullu. In Mandi district, authorities directed closure of schools in affected villages after a footbridge was washed away in Silbhudhani and local streams, including Bhubu and Kungri, turned turbulent.
Casualty Reported In Kinnaur, Roads Blocked
A pilgrim from Ghaziabad, identified as 31-year-old Gaurav, lost his life after being struck by a shooting stone near Ganesh Gufa during the Kailash Yatra in Kinnaur. His body was later recovered and handed over to family members.
Meanwhile, flash floods in Kullu’s Shastri Nagar damaged houses and vehicles, though no casualties were reported. The State Emergency Operation Centre said 368 roads, including two national highways—Mandi-Jogindernagar (NH 154) and Aut-Sainj (NH 305)—remained blocked due to landslides.
According to the weather department, Una recorded the heaviest rainfall at 132.6 mm, followed by 68 mm in Bharwain, 63.4 mm in Dehra Gopipur and 60.4 mm in Palampur. Intermittent downpours continued across the state through Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, covering districts such as Solan, Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Sirmaur. A yellow weather alert has been issued for the remaining parts of the state.
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Himachal’s Monsoon Death Toll Reaches 276
Himachal Pradesh’s cumulative monsoon death toll since June 20 has risen to 276, data from the State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) showed. Of these, 143 people were killed in rain-related incidents, including landslides, flash floods and house collapses, while 133 others died in road accidents triggered by the ongoing monsoon conditions.
