If you are planning a mountain trip this week, it may be worth checking the weather twice before leaving. Heavy monsoon rain has triggered landslides, road closures and rising river levels across parts
of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and north Bengal. More rain is expected over several regions through the first week of September.
Uttarakhand: Fresh Landslides In Dehradun-Mussoorie Road
Uttarakhand is also seeing heavy rain, with authorities keeping a close watch on landslide-prone areas. The situation has turned deadly in Almora, where three members of a family were killed after landslide debris hit their home during heavy rain. Viral videos from Kainchi Dham show the Shipra River surging under bridges and river banks. On September 1, another landslide hit Dehradun-Mussoorie Road, halting traffic for hours before repair work could take place. After a few hours, the road was reopened for light vehicles but risk of further rains and landslides continue.
For tourists, the risks are familiar but serious: unstable slopes, falling debris, sudden road closures and swollen streams and rivers. If you are already in Uttarakhand, follow local advisories and avoid unnecessary travel through vulnerable mountain routes.
Himachal Pradesh: Roads And Rail Routes Hit
Himachal Pradesh is among the worst affected, with 98 roads reported blocked amid continued rain. Kullu has also seen fresh landslides, including a major slide on the Bagipul-Jaon road in Nirmand that brought traffic to a halt. Road travel remains the biggest concern for tourists, particularly in hilly areas where fresh landslides can happen with little warning. According to IMD, the state is likely to witness active monsoon conditions till September 4.
Rail connectivity has also been affected. A hill slip damaged the Kalka-Shimla railway track, leading to the evacuation of passengers and railway staff and disruption of incoming trains.
Planning to visit Himachal? Check the status of your route, especially if travelling towards Kullu, Mandi, Shimla or other hill districts. Avoid driving through areas under landslide or flash-flood warnings.
Kalimpong And Darjeeling: Check Before You Drive
In West Bengal, persistent rain has affected both the hills and plains. Kalimpong and Darjeeling have reported landslides, while rising river levels have added to concerns in low-lying areas. Road conditions in the hills can change quickly during heavy rain, making even short drives unpredictable. Travellers heading towards north Bengal should check local road conditions before setting out and be prepared for delays or route changes.
More Rain Is Expected
The weather alert isn’t limited to the Himalayan region. The India Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rainfall across parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya and other parts of eastern and central India in the coming days. Odisha is also keeping a close watch on rising river levels, while parts of the Northeast remain under a prolonged spell of rain.
What Should Travellers Do?
For now, the biggest issue is not simply getting caught in the rain. It is the possibility of landslides, flash floods, waterlogging and sudden transport disruptions.
If you are travelling during this spell:
Check weather and road advisories before leaving.
Avoid driving through areas reporting landslides or flash-flood risks.
Stay away from rivers, streams and waterfalls during heavy rain.
Keep extra time in your itinerary in case roads or trains are disrupted.
If authorities advise against travel, don’t take the risk for a sightseeing stop.
Keep your hotel or transport provider’s number handy in case routes change.
