650 roads blocked, 160 water schemes disrupted in Himachal due to monsoon rain

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 16 (HBTV): Himachal Pradesh continues to reel from heavy monsoon rains, with 650 roads, including three national highways, blocked, 1,205 distribution transformers disrupted, and 160 drinking water supply schemes affected across the state in the past 24 hours, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

The three highways impacted are NH-03 (Manali-Atal Tunnel and Kullu-Manali stretch), NH-305 (Anni-Jalori Pass), and NH-503A (Una sector), cutting off key connectivity in the hill state.

The SDMA update issued on Tuesday morning confirmed that the cumulative monsoon death toll since June 20 has risen to 409. This includes 229 rain-related deaths from landslides, flash floods, drowning, and house collapses, and 180 deaths due to road accidents during the same period.

Mandi district has faced the most severe damage to public infrastructure, with 313 roads blocked and 783 power transformers out of service. Kullu reported 153 road blockages, including stretches of NH-03 and NH-305, significantly disrupting traffic in the tourist belt. In Shimla district, 58 roads are blocked and 41 water supply schemes have been disrupted.

The SDMA stated that restoration work is being carried out on a war footing by the Public Works Department, electricity boards, and the Jal Shakti department. However, continuous rainfall has hampered debris clearance and repair efforts.

‘Efforts are underway round-the-clock to restore connectivity and essential services in the affected districts. However, landslides and recurring rainfall remain major challenges,’ an SDMA spokesperson said.

Officials warned that vulnerable slopes and saturated soil may trigger further landslides, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel in high-risk areas.

(ANI)