Himachal Pradesh is reeling under severe weather devastation as torrential rains, accompanied by a red alert from the meteorological department, have brought life to a virtual standstill across the state. The relentless downpour has triggered widespread landslides, forcing the closure of 680 roads including three national highways, while disrupting essential services and claiming precious lives.
The state’s infrastructure has taken a massive hit with 1,413 electricity transformers damaged and 420 water supply schemes affected, leaving several areas without power and water supply. Educational institutions in eight districts remained closed today as authorities prioritized safety over academic activities. The situation has prompted district administrations to issue strict advisories against venturing near rivers and streams.
Kullu district has borne the brunt of nature’s fury, with the Beas River wreaking havoc across the region. The river’s aggressive flow has instilled fear among residents as four shops were reportedly swept away by the raging waters. In Bahang area of Manali, a restaurant was completely washed away by flood waters in the Beas, leaving only its front portion visible as a grim reminder of the river’s destructive power.
The popular tourist destination of Manali has been severely affected, with residential areas in 14 Mile experiencing waterlogging due to the heavy downpour. The situation worsened at 15 Mile where a toilet facility and several temporary structures were swept away by the swollen Beas River, highlighting the extent of the destruction caused by the unprecedented rainfall.
Transportation networks have been severely disrupted with the crucial Manali-Leh highway completely blocked due to landslides in the Bahang area. The road connecting Old Manali to Burua has also been rendered impassable, forcing authorities to divert traffic through alternative routes. The Kullu-Manali National Highway came to a halt near Bindu Dhak after the road was washed away, with a truck and a jeep also being swept into the Beas River.
Traffic from Manali is being diverted via the left bank route as the main highway remains unsafe for vehicular movement. The water level in the Beas River has risen dramatically, with flood water flowing over the road near the Green Tax Barrier at Aloo Ground, creating dangerous conditions for both vehicles and pedestrians.
The destruction has extended to critical infrastructure in Old Manali, where the bridge over Manalsu stream has been completely destroyed by flood waters. The collapse occurred after the bridge pillars were washed away, leaving the structure hanging precariously over the river. This has completely cut off connectivity to Old Manali, Burua, Shanag, Majhach, Palchan, Solang, and Kothi areas, isolating thousands of residents and tourists.
The meteorological department has issued red alerts for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts today, while Kullu has been placed under orange alert. Yellow alerts remain in effect for Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, Solan, and Lahaul-Spiti districts. Fresh snowfall has been reported on high-altitude passes including Shinkula Pass, Kugti Pass, Baralacha, and Rohtang, adding to the complexity of the weather situation.
Weather forecasts indicate that the rain spell will continue until September 1, with orange alerts issued for heavy rainfall at multiple locations from August 29 to 31. This extended period of adverse weather has prompted authorities to maintain high alert status and continue monitoring vulnerable areas.
The education sector has been significantly impacted with institutions remaining closed in Una, Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, Bilaspur, Solan, and Shimla districts. Following district administration orders, Himachal Pradesh University also suspended academic activities on Tuesday, with Dean of Studies Prof. BK Shivram issuing the official notification.
Tragic news has emerged from the Manimahesh Yatra where four pilgrims from Punjab lost their lives, prompting authorities to suspend the pilgrimage indefinitely. More than 2,000 devotees remain stranded along the route, though officials confirm they are in safe locations. The administration is coordinating rescue and evacuation operations to bring the stranded pilgrims to safety.
In Nurpur, the weather has claimed another life as 72-year-old Gurdev Singh from Dadwara village was swept away in a stream, adding to the growing casualty figures. Meanwhile, in Mandi city, the Beas River has reached dangerous levels, flowing up to the Panchvaktra Temple, forcing authorities to issue strict warnings against approaching riverbanks and streams.
The administration has issued comprehensive safety advisories urging residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from riverbanks and unstable structures, and remain in safe locations until weather conditions improve. Emergency response teams are working around the clock to assist affected populations and restore essential services.
