Heavy Rain Wreaks Havoc in Himachal, Closes 46 Roads as IMD Issues Orange Alert

Persistent monsoon showers continued to disrupt life across Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, forcing the closure of 46 roads , damaging power and water infrastructure, and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall until July 5 , except July 3.

According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), roads remain blocked in Kullu (18), Mandi (15), Sirmaur (9), and two each in Lahaul and Spiti and Una due to landslides and heavy rain. The weather also affected 181 electricity transformers and six water supply schemes , disrupting essential services. Poanta Sahib recorded the highest rainfall at 100.4 mm , while thunderstorms were reported in Kangra, Jubberhatti and Bhuntar.

The latest spell follows four rain-related deaths reported in the state on Wednesday, including a woman killed by a falling boulder on the Chandigarh-Manali highway. A 30-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been stationed in Shimla to assist during the monsoon season.

The monsoon has also left a trail of destruction elsewhere. In Karnataka , three members of a family died after a landslide buried their home in Mangaluru. Uttar Pradesh reported two deaths and eight injuries from lightning strikes, while heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of Maharashtra , prompting a red alert in Palghar and closure of educational institutions.

Meanwhile, flood-hit Arunachal Pradesh continues relief efforts after recent flash floods and landslides, while the IMD has warned of heavy rainfall over south Bengal from July 4 to 7 . With the southwest monsoon advancing across northern India, authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert amid forecasts of continued intense rainfall.