Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has resulted in a flash flood in Bagi, Mandi, causing extensive damage in various parts of the district. The continuous rain has also triggered a landslide on the Chandigarh-Manali highway near 7 Mile, leading to a heavy traffic jam. Several vehicles in Mohal, Kullu were damaged and washed away. The Mandi-Kullu National highway has been blocked due to the relentless rain, as stated in a public notice by the Mandi district police on Sunday.
Highway Expected to Reopen Today
According to official statements, the highway is likely to reopen today. Individuals stranded on either side of the road are advised to turn back and make arrangements to stay overnight in nearby towns, as reported by ANI.
Weather Warning and Consequences of Rain
The Indian Meteorological Department issued a weather warning for Himachal Pradesh for the next five days. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning are expected at isolated places over plains, low and mid hills on June 25 and 26. Flash floods are likely to occur in the districts of Kangra, Mandi, and Solan, leading to traffic congestion, poor visibility, and disruption in electric supply, as quoted by the weather department.
Farmers have been advised by the IMD to make adequate arrangements to minimize the consequences of rain. Standing crops, fruit plants, and young seedlings may suffer damage. The water level in the Beas River, flowing through Mandi, has risen due to continuous rains in the hilly areas. In the last 24 hours, Mandi received 64.4 mm of rainfall.
Damage and Losses
The heavy rains have caused significant damage and losses across the state. Shimla, the capital, experienced a cloudburst, intensifying the rainfall. Flash floods triggered by the cloudburst in Solan and Hamirpur districts, along with heavy rain in Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu, resulted in two fatalities and caused damage to crops, homes, vehicles, and livestock.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, one person drowned in both Hamirpur and Shimla districts. Additionally, 11 houses, vehicles, and cowsheds were damaged. The estimated losses in the past 24 hours amount to Rs 78 lakh. Lahaul and Spiti, Hamirpur, Solan, and Mandi also reported damaged houses. Moreover, eight vehicles in Kullu, two in Lahaul and Spiti, and one in Sirmaur were damaged.
The heavy rainfall has led to uprooted trees blocking 126 roads, including two national highways. Power supply has also been disrupted, with 141 transformers suffering damage.
Cloudburst Impact and Damages
In the Kheri area of the Sujanpur subdivision in Hamirpur district, water gushed into four homes and damaged the panchayat building following a cloudburst. According to PTI, six individuals are trapped by the waters of the Beas near the Khanuali village. Additionally, machinery worth lakhs from the Dhaulasidh Power Project has been washed away due to the heavy flow of water in the river. The affected area is situated on the river’s left bank.
The Hindustan Herald Is Your Source For The Latest In Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Don’t Forget To Subscribe Our Telegram Channel @hindustanherald
