Himachal records wettest October in 20 years; receives 173% above normal rainfall: IMD

Himachal Pradesh recorded its wettest October in two decades, with rainfall 173% above normal. Sirmaur, Kangra, and Solan districts received the highest precipitation, while Naina Devi and Solan experienced extremely heavy rainfall. The state anticipates light rain or snow on November 4 and 5, with dry weather expected for the remainder of the week.

Himachal seeks Centres help for Doppler radar, 150 weather stations to tackle climate disasters

CHANDIGARH: In the wake of recent cloudbursts and flash floods, the Himachal Pradesh government has urged the Union Government to provide one Doppler weather radar and 150 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) across the state to ensure that every district, particularly the disaster-prone areas, is better equipped to handle future weather-related challenges. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a meeting with Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi on Tuesday evening and requested that adequate Doppler weather radar and automatic weather stations be provided to ensure early and quick warnings related to natural disasters in the state. Sukhu said that due to the geological positioning of Himachal Pradesh and the growing impact of global warming and climate change, the state has witnessed an alarming rise in the occurrence of natural disasters. He noted that the state was suffering huge losses as a result and requested that one Doppler weather radar and 150 automated weather stations be provided before the next monsoon season so the state could benefit from timely weather updates. He also thanked the Union minister for approving a Doppler radar for Lahaul-Spiti. Sukhu said that weather-related data should be integrated with centrally recognised national early warning agencies so that the state could receive accurate and timely alerts about adverse weather conditions. The Chief Minister further requested the establishment of a seismic laboratory and data analysis centre in the Kangra-Hamirpur zone, which falls within seismic zone-V and is highly prone to earthquakes. He also urged the installation of two additional air monitoring systems in higher reaches of the state, a weather data centre at Hamirpur, and compact weather radars in shadow areas. Sukhu stressed that modern warning, monitoring, and data analysis systems must be set up in Himachal due to the rising frequency of natural disasters in recent years, calling it the need of the hour. He also called for the setting up of a bio-manufacturing hub to make better use of plant-based natural resources in the state and emphasised the need to establish plant-based packaging units to promote environmental protection and sustainable development. In addition, he sought support to strengthen space science education in the state through initiatives like the Space on Wheels programme, AI-related refresher courses, and other advanced science education modules. A detailed discussion was also held during the meeting on natural farming, land management, and renewable energy-based smart agriculture in Himachal Pradesh. Jitendra Singh appreciated the states proactive approach and reiterated that the Central Government remains fully committed to supporting all states in their efforts toward climate resilience and disaster mitigation. He said that the Ministry of Earth Sciences has been continuously expanding the countrys meteorological network, especially in hilly and remote regions, to ensure timely dissemination of critical weather information to the public and local authorities. Singh noted that advanced meteorological tools like Doppler Radars and AWS play a crucial role not only in disaster preparedness but also in sectors like agriculture, hydropower, and tourism, which form the backbone of Himachal Pradeshs economy. He assured full central support in expanding this infrastructure to cover vulnerable zones and enhance public safety. The meeting reflected a shared commitment between the Centre and the State Government to strengthen the scientific framework for forecasting and disaster management, ensuring that development in the hill state is sustainable and resilient to climate risks. Both leaders agreed that close coordination between the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the state authorities will further enhance Himachal Pradeshs capacity to respond effectively to extreme weather events.

Australian paraglider who crashed near Seven Sisters Peak in Manali rescued after 20 hours

CHANDIGARH: A 51-year-old Australian paraglider, Andy, who crashed yesterday evening near the Seven Sisters Peak located at an altitude of 13,500 feet in the Manali subdivision of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh, has been rescued after 20 hours. Sources said that the paraglider Andy, hailing from Australia, is believed to have crashed due to air pressure and adverse weather conditions. A paraglider pilot flying with him witnessed the accident and informed the rescue team, requesting assistance. Ramesh Kumar Jogi, in charge of the rescue team of the Manali Adventure Tour Association, said that Andy, who was lying on a dangerous and narrow ledge on a high mountain, was finally rescued with the help of a chopper. He is now being treated at the hospital and is out of danger. Both the pilots had come from Bir Billing in Kangra district to Manali and were flying back to Bir Billing when the crash took place. A rescue team was dispatched immediately on Monday evening to rescue Andy, who was trapped in the inaccessible hills. Andy's close call isn't rare, as paragliding accidents at popular sites like Bir Billing in Himachal have been taking place, with recent incidents involving flyers from Canada, Austria, and Russia, too. A few days ago, Megan Elizabeth, a 27-year-old Canadian paraglider who had gone missing, was found dead, while a 47-year-old Austrian paraglider, Jacob, was rescued from the high mountains of the Dhauladhar range. In the last five years, 26 paragliding crashes have been reported in Kangra and Mandi districts of the hill state, resulting in the death of 12 paragliders, including foreign nationals, and injury to many. In some incidents, neither the pilot nor the glider could be located.

Jammu Police wrestler Ishaq lifts 6th Kalka Kesari Dangal Title

Excelsior Sports Correspondent REASI, Oct 27: Jammu and Kashmir Police wrestler Ishaq Ahmed clinched the 6th Kalka Kesari Dangal Title by defeating Sonu of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh in a high-voltage first malli bout that lasted nine minutes at Kalka Akhara, Nai Basti, Reasi. Ahmed was honoured with a cash award of Rs 61,000, while runner-up Sonu received Rs 40,000. The Kanta Kushti Dangal was organized by Kalka Akhara Dangal Committee in association with J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association under [] The post Jammu Police wrestler Ishaq lifts 6th Kalka Kesari Dangal Title appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Canadian paraglider found dead, Australian rescued from Dhauladhar range in Himachal Pradesh

CHANDIGARH: Megan Elizabeth, a 27-year-old Canadian paraglider who had gone missing, was found dead, while a 47-year-old Austrian paraglider, Jacob, was rescued from the high mountains of the Dhauladhar range in Himachal Pradesh in the last 48 hours. Both paragliders had flown in separately from the international Bir-Billing paragliding site in Kangra district and encountered emergencies at different locations. Elizabeth, who was a solo flier, had taken off from Billing and was expected to land at Chogan. However, she was not familiar with the topography of the Dhauladhar region and lost her route and crashed near Talan Jot, north of the Himani Chamunda temple, at an altitude of about 3,900 metres. Megan Elizabeth was an experienced solo flier. She had taken off from Billing and was expected to land Chogan but lost en route, said Anurag Sharma, President of Billing Paragliding Association. The Baijnath authorities, with the help of climbers and volunteers from the Bir Billing Paragliding Association (BPA), had launched a rescue operation on Sunday. Rahul Singh, a member of the rescue team, was the first to be air-dropped into the area on Sunday evening. He reached the crash site later that night and found the paraglider unresponsive. Elizabeth had likely died due to exposure to extreme cold and injuries sustained during the landing on rocky terrain. Five more members of the rescue team were flown in yesterday morning, and they relocated the body about 500 metres uphill from the crash site to facilitate airlifting. Sources said that her body was brought to Gaggal Airport and will be handed over to the Canadian Embassy after the post-mortem. Another SOS was received from an Australian paraglider, Jacob, who was stranded at an elevation of about 3,302 meters in the mountains of Polling-Barot valley in Kullu district, said sources. He was rescued and dropped off at Chogan in Bir. In the last five years, 26 paragliding crashes have been reported in Kangra and Mandi districts of the hill state, resulting in the death of 12 paragliders, including foreign nationals, and injury to many. In some incidents, neither the pilot nor the glider could be located.

Himachal welcomes seasons first snowfall

CHANDIGARH: The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, including Rohtang Pass and Dhauladhar ranges, received the seasons first snowfall on Sunday morning, leading to a drop in the minimum temperature. The Kullu district administration has suspended vehicular traffic to Rohtang Pass and advised commuters not to venture through this highway. A fresh spell of mild snowfall on the Dhauladhar ranges and overnight rainfall in parts of Kangra and Chamba districts brought a dip in temperatures across several hill towns of the hill state ushering in early winter-like conditions. As Dharamsala, McLeodganj, Kangra, Palampur, Dalhousie, Chamba and Bharmour witnessed a significant change in weather, with a sudden chill replacing the warm sunshine of the past few days. Intermittent showers continued through the morning in several parts of the region, leading to the formation of dense fog that blanketed the upper reaches of the mountains. Strong icy winds swept the higher and mid hills of the state followed by severe thunderstorm, lightning and intermittent rains. Also, there were reports of uprooting of trees due to storm and heavy downpour from several parts of the state. According to the Meteorological Department, Dharamsala and its twin town McLeodganj recorded 25.5 mm of rainfall during the night, while Palampur received 10.2 mm, Kangra 18.4 mm and Chamba 4 mm, Brahmani 26.4, Nangal Dam 23 mm, Malraon 22, Bilaspur 20.4 mm and Nainadevi 18.1 mm. Thunderstorm was witnessed in Kufri, Jot, Murari devi, Sundernagar, Bhunter, Kangra and Shimla while gusty winds with velocity of 30 to 61 Kmph lashed Reckongpeo, Tabo, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Sundernagar and Kukumseri. The minimum temperatures dropped by one to three degrees across HP and Tabo was coldest with a low of 3.1 degrees, followed by Keylong 3.6 degrees, Kalpa and Kukumseri 6.2 degrees and Kufri and Narkanda 10 degrees each. An orange alert has been issued warning of hail, heavy to very rain, thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places in six districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Lahaul and Spiti districts on October 6.

Himachal Pradesh: Dhauladhar Mountain range receives snowfall, temperature dips

Mild snowfall in the Dhauladhar mountains brought pleasant weather and a temperature dip to Dharamshala, signaling winter's approach. This follows a period of severe rainfall between June and September 2025, which caused 55 deaths, 215 livestock fatalities, and an estimated Rs. 603 crore in damages across Kangra district.

PM announces Rs 1,600 cr flood assistance for Punjab, Rs 1,500 cr for Himachal

CHANDIGARH, Sep 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a financial assistance of Rs 1,600 crore for flood-hit Punjab and an immediate relief of Rs 1,500 crore for rain-affected Himachal Pradesh. He took stock of the situation in both the states in the wake of floods and landslides and also conducted aerial surveys of the affected areas. Modi first went to Himachal Pradesh and after an aerial survey, held a meeting in Kangra to review the relief and rehabilitation [] The post PM announces Rs 1,600 cr flood assistance for Punjab, Rs 1,500 cr for Himachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Modi Announces Rs 1,600-Crore Relief For Disaster-Hit Himachal Pradesh

The prime minister first conducted an aerial survey of affected areas and then held a meeting in Kangra to review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well as assess the damage.

PM Modi Announces Rs 1,500 Cr Immediate Relief For Disaster-Hit Himachal

SHIMLA, Sept 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced an immediate relief of Rs 1,500 crore for rain-affected Himachal Pradesh. Modi, who took stock of the flood and landslides situation in the state, also announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He first conducted an aerial survey of affected areas and then held a meeting in Kangra to review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well [] The post PM Modi Announces Rs 1,500 Cr Immediate Relief For Disaster-Hit Himachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi Reviews Flood, Landslide Damage in Himachal, Visits Kangra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday took stock of the flood and landslides situation in Himachal Pradesh and reached Kangra after conducting an aerial survey of disaster-hit Mandi and Kullu districts.

PM Modi To Visit Himachal, Punjab Today To Assess Flood Situation, Relief Ops | Top Updates

PM Modi will first arrive in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, at around 1:30 pm, where he will reportedly conduct an aerial survey of the most affected areas.

North India floods: PM Modi to visit Punjab, Himachal on September 9; to survey affected areas, meet victims

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Himachal Pradesh and Punjab on Tuesday, September 9, to assess the flood crisis. He will conduct aerial surveys, meet with officials, and review the situation in Kangra and Gurdaspur. The PM also intends to meet with flood-affected residents and disaster response teams to monitor relief efforts.

PM Modi to visit Himachal, Punjab on Sept 9 to review and conduct aerial survey of areas hit by flash floods

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Himachal Pradesh and Punjab tomorrow to assess the flood-related devastation. He will conduct aerial surveys of the affected regions in both states, followed by meetings with officials in Kangra and Gurdaspur. Modi will also interact with flood victims and rescue teams to ensure effective relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Rains batter Himachal: 5 dead in house collapses, 1,337 roads closed, schools shut in 3 districts

SHIMLA: Five people were killed in house collapse incidents as torrential rains triggered landslides and flash floods across Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, blocking 1,337 roads, including four national highways, officials said. The local meteorological office has issued an orange alert, warning of heavy rain in isolated areas of Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur and Kinnaur districts on Wednesday and a yellow alert for heavy rain in Una and Bilaspur districts. In Solan district's Samloh village, a woman died after she was buried under the debris of her house that collapsed following heavy rain late on Monday. The deceased was identified as Hemlata. Her husband, Heem Ram, four children, and her 85-year-old handicapped mother-in-law escaped with minor injuries. In another incident, a man and a woman were rescued from the rubble after their house caved in following rain in Kullu's Dhalpur. The woman later succumbed to her injuries, police said, adding that the details of the deceased were awaited. Officials said that a landslide that occurred near Jangam Bagh BBMB colony in Sundernagar in Mandi district on Tuesday evening claimed three lives -- two women and a child. The deceased have been identified as Bharti (28) and her 2.5-year-old daughter Kirtan. They were rescued and taken to hospital where they were declared dead. One of the bodies is yet to be identified, they said. Two-three more people are feared trapped under the debris, the officials said. The teams of National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force and police are carrying out the rescue operations, Deputy Commissioner Mandi, Apporv Devgan, who was at the spot, told the PTI. All government and private educational institutes, including coaching centres and nursing institutes, in Shimla, Kangra and Sirmaur districts have been ordered to remain shut on Wednesday. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, in an order issued on Tuesday evening, said Shimla has been experiencing continuous rainfall for the last few days and there was a high possibility of landslides at several locations across the district, according to the latest Geological Survey of India forecast. Teachers and administrative staff are exempted from attending educational institutions, and online classes will be conducted, the order said. In view of an orange warning of heavy rains, educational institutions will remain shut in Kangra and Sirmaur districts, orders issued by the respective deputy commissioners of the two districts said. A vehicle stuck in Manalsu drain, flowing in spate, after heavy monsoon rain, at Manali in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. About nine villages in Manali were cut off after floods in the Manalsu drain, which also obstructed the Manali-Leh route. A landslide behind the Paddal gurdwara area in Mandi town damaged two houses on Monday night. However, no casualties were reported as the residents evacuated on time, the officials said. The two affected families have been shifted to safer locations, while occupants of nearby houses facing similar risks have vacated their homes, they said. An under-construction house was damaged following a landslide in the Anni area of Kullu district. No casualty was reported as the house had already been declared unsafe during the 2023 monsoon disaster and was vacant. As many as 16 families have been asked to vacate their houses after cracks developed in Dadwal village in the Naina Devi area of Bilaspur district, according to the officials. The document verification of shortlisted candidates for the post of constable in Himachal Pradesh Police has been postponed in view of the roads being blocked due to heavy rains. The verification drive that was supposed to be held from September 4 to 9 will now take place from September 24 to 29, a statement issued here said. Of the 1,337 blocked roads, 282 are in Mandi, 255 in Shimla, 239 in Chamba, 205 in Kullu and 140 in Sirmaur district, among others. National Highway 3 (Mandi-Dharampur road), National Highway 305 (Aut-Sainj), National Highway 5 (Old Hindustan-Tibet road) and National Highway 707 (Hatkoti to Poanta) were also blocked, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. The Shimla-Kalka National Highway 5, also known as the Hindustan-Tibet Road, and the Chandigarh-Manali Highway were also obstructed by landslides, causing major inconvenience to commuters. The situation is much severe in the interior regions where link roads have remained blocked, preventing apple producers from transporting their produce to the markets. On Monday, trains plying on the Shimla-Kalka track were cancelled following landslips. Services will remain suspended till September 5, the officials said. Efforts are afoot to send about 5,000 Manimahesh pilgrims stuck in Chamba district back home. Sixteen pilgrims have died since the yatra started on August 15, they said. Naina Devi has received 198.2 mm of rain since Monday evening, the highest in the state. Manali received 89 mm of rainfall, Rohru 80 mm, Mandi 78.2 mm, Dharamshala 76.3 mm, Kukumseri 74.2 mm, Chamba 72 mm, Bhuntar 69.7 mm, Jot 61.2 mm, Nahan 59.7 mm, Baggi 58.5 mm, Keylong and Una 57 mm each, Nadaun 53 mm and Olinda 50 mm. At least 340 people have died in rain-related incidents and road accidents, while 41 are missing since the monsoon began, the SEOC data showed. As many as 2,180 power transformers and 777 water supply schemes were disrupted across the state on Monday, the SEOC said. Since the onset of monsoon in Himachal on June 20, the state has witnessed 95 flash floods, 45 cloudbursts and 121 major landslide incidents. The state has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 3,523 crore this monsoon so far, according to official data. 380 tourists evacuated from Sissu, Manimahesh Yatris stranded in Chamba as Himachal reels under heavy rains

Himachal Pradesh: Noor Mohammad, Sanjeev Ali step out to feed stranded cattle at flood-formed island in Kangra district

In a heartwarming display of humanity, Noor Mohammad and Sanjeev Ali, residents of Riyali village of Indora in Kangra district, provided the starving cattle with green fodder on a small island formed due to floods created by water released from Pong ...

IMD issues red alert for Northwest India

NEW DELHI: In anticipation of extremely heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Northwest India, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi . IMD predicts the rain intensity levels may exceed 210 mm in certain areas over the next three days. It has also predicted an imminent risk of flash floods in several watersheds and neighborhoods of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana. Residents are advised to remain vigilant over the next 24 hours as severe weather conditions are expected. In Himachal Pradesh, the districts most at risk include Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan. In Uttarakhand, the vulnerable districts are Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, and Uttarkashi. The plains of Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhispecifically Ambala, Panchkula, and Yamunanagarare also threatened by potential flash floods. The IMD has also projected heavy rainfall in Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, the Gujarat region, and Coastal Karnataka during the first week of September. Furthermore, a fresh low-pressure area is expected to form over the Northwest Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Odisha, and will move across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat over the next 3-4 days. This will likely lead to increased monsoon rainfall in Odisha from September 2 to 4, in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh from September 3 to 5, and in Gujarat and parts of North Maharashtra from September 4 to 7. Due to these dangerous predictions, the IMD has advised fisherfolk to avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea from September 1 to 6. Lake burst behind Uttarakhand flash flood, MHA told In the past 24 hours, many areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, West Rajasthan, and Telangana recorded extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 210 mm. Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and East Rajasthan received between 120-200 mm of rain. The heavy rainfall has led to widespread flooding in Punjab, resulting in losses to kharif crops. The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has held a review meeting with senior officials to assess the damage caused by the heavy rainfall and discuss compensation measures. Earlier, the IMD's monthly outlook indicated that the country is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall in September, with a delayed withdrawal of the monsoon. Typically, the monsoon begins to withdraw in the first week of September and is expected to be fully withdrawn by September 30. The IMD has noted a new trend in September, characterized by more rainfall and a later withdrawal. So far, the country has experienced 6% more rainfall than normal, while the East and Northeast regions have faced approximately 18% below-normal rainfall. In contrast, the Northwest region has been the wettest, with about 27% above-normal rainfall recorded in the first three months of the monsoon. Flash flood strands 189 tourists in Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers

Himachal records highest rainfall for August in 15 years; overnight landslides kill three

CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh witnessed over 440 mm of rainfall in August, a staggering 72% above the normal of 256.8 mm, the highest recorded in the past fifteen years. The previous highest August rainfall was 322.5 mm in 2019, but this year saw an excess of 120 mm compared to that. Widespread heavy rain has caused landslides across the hill state, killing three people overnight, while the water level at Pong Dam has crossed its maximum capacity. A red alert has been issued in four districts, and an orange warning is in place for the rest of the state. The state has recorded excess rainfall ranging from 26% to 162% across different regions. Lahaul and Spiti saw 26% more rain, Kangra 29%, Chamba 104%, Solan 118%, Una 121%, Shimla 126%, and Kullu the highest at 162%. Last week alone, Himachal received 165.6 mm of rainfall against the normal 42.4 mm, a deviation of 291%. So far this monsoon, the state has recorded 826.8 mm of rainfall compared to the normal 613.8 mm, amounting to a 35% surplus. The seasonal normal for the entire monsoon period is 734.4 mm. 10 pilgrims dead, eight missing, 6,000 devotees evacuated amid Manimahesh Yatra disaster Landslides triggered by heavy rains led to three deaths in Shimla district. In one incident, 35-year-old Virender Kumar and his 10-year-old daughter were killed after their house was struck by a landslide in Mohal Jot village, Junga tehsil. His wife survived as she was outside at the time. Several cattle were also killed. In another incident, an elderly woman, Kalavati, was buried under debris after a landslide hit her house in Chol village, Kotkhai area. In Rohru subdivision, four families were evacuated after a landslide threatened three homes and buried two cowsheds, trapping livestock. The Manimahesh Yatra, which has claimed 16 lives this season, has been suspended due to the inclement weather. The traditional royal bath was cancelled, and rituals were instead conducted at 84 local temples. Road connectivity across the region has been severely disrupted. The KiratpurManali National Highway has been blocked at several locations between Mandi and Aut due to fresh landslides. Tourists, buses, and trucks are stranded on both sides. The MandiPathankot Highway is also closed near Lavandi Bridge between Mandi and Jogindernagar. The SansariKillarThirotTandi road in LahaulSpiti remains blocked due to rockfall at Nili Dhank. Three pilgrims die during Manimahesh Yatra; heavy rain forces closure of schools, roads in Himachal Authorities in Mandi and LahaulSpiti have issued advisories urging residents to avoid non-essential travel. Emergency services and police have been deployed to manage traffic and assist stranded commuters. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Una, Sirmaur, Bilaspur, and Solan, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few hours. An orange alert has been issued for Shimla and surrounding areas. As of this morning, the water level at Pong Dam stood at 1,390.52 feet, slightly above its maximum capacity of 1,390 feet. The inflow was recorded at 79,790 cusecs, while the outflow was 1,09,920 cusecs. Of this, 17,079 cusecs passed through turbines and 92,841 cusecs through the spillway. Six machines remain operational at the powerhouse. 380 tourists evacuated from Sissu, Manimahesh Yatris stranded in Chamba as Himachal reels under heavy rains

10 pilgrims dead, eight missing, 6,000 devotees evacuated amid Manimahesh Yatra disaster

CHANDIGARH: Ten pilgrims have died, and eight are missing in the ongoing Manimahesh Yatra, which was suspended on Monday due to heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods. Around 6,000 devotees stranded in the Bharmour region have been safely evacuated to Nurpur and Pathankot from Kalsuin. Meanwhile, Dharamsala and McLeodganj are facing a water crisis as the water level at the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark. The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has also been blocked again due to landslides. Sources report that seven rescue teams, comprising police personnel, home guards, volunteers, NCC cadets, local residents, and civil officers, have been deployed to aid in the rescue operations. The devotees, who had trekked approximately 14 km from the district headquarters to reach Kalsuin, were then transported by 39 buses and 25 taxis to Chamba and Nurpur. Authorities have arranged additional buses to evacuate the remaining pilgrims, with 40 more buses requested. To assist the evacuees, arrangements for food and shelter have been made in Chamba, with community kitchens (langars) set up in Kalsui, Dharwala, and Dakhog to provide meals to the stranded devotees. Despite the debris being cleared from the Kalsui-Rakh road, heavy vehicles cannot pass, making the road unsuitable for large-scale movement. Due to the heavy rains and subsequent flash floods, roads were washed away, and communication links were severed, leading to the deaths of ten devotees and leaving eight others missing en route to the Manimahesh Yatra. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-hit areas in Bharmour, Manimahesh, and other regions of Chamba district, as well as Fatehpur and Mand in Kangra district, following the excess water release from the Pong Dam. However, the adverse weather conditions prevented his helicopter from landing in Bharmour. The Chief Minister held a meeting with district administration officials in Chamba and instructed them to expedite the relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. He also stressed the importance of ensuring adequate arrangements for food, water, shelter, and other essential amenities for those stranded. Sukhu visited Kalsuin to oversee the transportation arrangements and interacted with the devotees. He said, The buses have been arranged for the devotees at Kalsuin near Chamba from where they could board the same for going towards Nurpur and Pathankot. He also directed officials to quickly restore the Salooni-Khundimaral road to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims, particularly those coming from Jammu's Kishtwar and Doda districts. Sukhu added that the State Governments pre-emptive measures had helped reduce the loss of lives compared to the devastation in 2023. However, the scale of destruction this year was far greater, with widespread damage to roads, electricity, water supply, and communication services. This year, the entire state has been hit by the destruction attributed to incessant rains, landslides, and cloud bursts. The rehabilitation is a challenge, but with the support of the people, we will overcome it courageously. It is our responsibility to rehabilitate the families who have been rendered homeless, lost all means of livelihood, and we will offer a special relief package to support them, he said. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the situation was being closely monitored by key government officials. Speaker of Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh are reviewing the situation on the ground, Sukhu said, highlighting the humanitarian approach being adopted by the government. He mentioned that, Revenue Minister Negi has proceeded for Bharmour on foot from Chamba. This demonstrates that the present government has adopted a humanitarian approach and was sensitively dealing with the crisis. Regarding road restoration, Sukhu mentioned that heavy machinery, including JCBs and poclains, has been deployed in the district. However, the weather has posed significant challenges to the relief and restoration works. The evacuation of those stranded in Bharmour is also dependent on favourable weather conditions, although helicopters have been deployed for this purpose. The Chief Minister also called for a study to determine the underlying reasons for the frequent occurrence of cloud bursts in the state, citing global warming and climate change as major contributors. We must dig deep to tackle this problem effectively and save valuable lives, he stressed. Before departing for Bharmour, Sukhu inquired about the relief and rehabilitation operations in Kangra district from the Deputy Commissioner, Hemraj Bairwa, following excess water release from Pong Dam. Meanwhile, the water level in the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark at 1,391.28 feet, slightly above the permissible limit of 1,390 feet. The inflow was recorded at 160,276 cusecs, and the outflow was 84,952 cusecs, of which 17,079 cusecs were released through turbines, and 67,873 cusecs through spillways. At the MHC, the discharge stood at 11,500 cusecs, and 73,452 cusecs were released downstream at the Shah Nehar Barrage, with six machines operational at the dam. The water shortage in Dharamsala and McLeodganj is also a growing concern, as several water supply schemes were disrupted due to heavy rainfall, which caused landslides and damaged pipelines. The main supply line from the Naddi water treatment plant to Dharamsala was damaged due to land subsidence, affecting several distribution networks. The Gajj Khadd scheme, one of the major sources of water for the city, has been non-functional for over a month, and both the Naddi-Bhatehad and Bhagsunag schemes were also disrupted, further affecting the water supply to large parts of the city. Once again, the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been blocked between Mandi and Kullu due to a massive landslide, just a day after it was reopened following a four-day closure. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed its workforce and heavy machinery to clear the blockage, but the disruption has left vehicles and tourists stranded. A flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall was reported at Katwadhi village under the Nandi Panchayat of Gohar subdivision in Mandi district. The sudden surge of water in the Naseni Nallah caused significant damage to local infrastructure, although fortunately, no loss of human life has been reported. As of this morning, 557 roads, including three national highways, remain closed for traffic. Of these, 213 are in Mandi district, 160 in Kullu, 28 in Shimla, 38 in Sirmaur, 60 in Kangra, 23 in Una, 14 in Lahaul and Spiti, 11 in Solan, and 9 in Bilaspur district. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, 936 power supply transformers and 223 water supply schemes have also been disrupted across the state. In Shimla, two individuals, Hemant and Pyare Lal, were injured after their houses were damaged by landslides in Thala village in Rampur Subdivision. Both were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

10 pilgrims dead, eight missing, 5,000 devotees evacuated amid Manimahesh Yatra disaster

CHANDIGARH: Ten pilgrims have died, and eight are missing in the ongoing Manimahesh Yatra, which was suspended on Monday due to heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods. Around 5,000 devotees stranded in the Bharmour region have been safely evacuated to Nurpur and Pathankot from Kalsuin. Meanwhile, Dharamsala and McLeodganj are facing a water crisis as the water level at the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark. The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has also been blocked again due to landslides. Sources report that seven rescue teams, comprising police personnel, home guards, volunteers, NCC cadets, local residents, and civil officers, have been deployed to aid in the rescue operations. The devotees, who had trekked approximately 14 km from the district headquarters to reach Kalsuin, were then transported by 39 buses and 25 taxis to Chamba and Nurpur. Authorities have arranged additional buses to evacuate the remaining pilgrims, with 40 more buses requested. To assist the evacuees, arrangements for food and shelter have been made in Chamba, with community kitchens (langars) set up in Kalsui, Dharwala, and Dakhog to provide meals to the stranded devotees. Despite the debris being cleared from the Kalsui-Rakh road, heavy vehicles cannot pass, making the road unsuitable for large-scale movement. Due to the heavy rains and subsequent flash floods, roads were washed away, and communication links were severed, leading to the deaths of ten devotees and leaving eight others missing en route to the Manimahesh Yatra. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-hit areas in Bharmour, Manimahesh, and other regions of Chamba district, as well as Fatehpur and Mand in Kangra district, following the excess water release from the Pong Dam. However, the adverse weather conditions prevented his helicopter from landing in Bharmour. The Chief Minister held a meeting with district administration officials in Chamba and instructed them to expedite the relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. He also stressed the importance of ensuring adequate arrangements for food, water, shelter, and other essential amenities for those stranded. Sukhu visited Kalsuin to oversee the transportation arrangements and interacted with the devotees. He said, The buses have been arranged for the devotees at Kalsuin near Chamba from where they could board the same for going towards Nurpur and Pathankot. He also directed officials to quickly restore the Salooni-Khundimaral road to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims, particularly those coming from Jammu's Kishtwar and Doda districts. Sukhu added that the State Governments pre-emptive measures had helped reduce the loss of lives compared to the devastation in 2023. However, the scale of destruction this year was far greater, with widespread damage to roads, electricity, water supply, and communication services. This year, the entire state has been hit by the destruction attributed to incessant rains, landslides, and cloud bursts. The rehabilitation is a challenge, but with the support of the people, we will overcome it courageously. It is our responsibility to rehabilitate the families who have been rendered homeless, lost all means of livelihood, and we will offer a special relief package to support them, he said. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the situation was being closely monitored by key government officials. Speaker of Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh are reviewing the situation on the ground, Sukhu said, highlighting the humanitarian approach being adopted by the government. He mentioned that, Revenue Minister Negi has proceeded for Bharmour on foot from Chamba. This demonstrates that the present government has adopted a humanitarian approach and was sensitively dealing with the crisis. Regarding road restoration, Sukhu mentioned that heavy machinery, including JCBs and poclains, has been deployed in the district. However, the weather has posed significant challenges to the relief and restoration works. The evacuation of those stranded in Bharmour is also dependent on favourable weather conditions, although helicopters have been deployed for this purpose. The Chief Minister also called for a study to determine the underlying reasons for the frequent occurrence of cloud bursts in the state, citing global warming and climate change as major contributors. We must dig deep to tackle this problem effectively and save valuable lives, he stressed. Before departing for Bharmour, Sukhu inquired about the relief and rehabilitation operations in Kangra district from the Deputy Commissioner, Hemraj Bairwa, following excess water release from Pong Dam. Meanwhile, the water level in the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark at 1,391.28 feet, slightly above the permissible limit of 1,390 feet. The inflow was recorded at 160,276 cusecs, and the outflow was 84,952 cusecs, of which 17,079 cusecs were released through turbines, and 67,873 cusecs through spillways. At the MHC, the discharge stood at 11,500 cusecs, and 73,452 cusecs were released downstream at the Shah Nehar Barrage, with six machines operational at the dam. The water shortage in Dharamsala and McLeodganj is also a growing concern, as several water supply schemes were disrupted due to heavy rainfall, which caused landslides and damaged pipelines. The main supply line from the Naddi water treatment plant to Dharamsala was damaged due to land subsidence, affecting several distribution networks. The Gajj Khadd scheme, one of the major sources of water for the city, has been non-functional for over a month, and both the Naddi-Bhatehad and Bhagsunag schemes were also disrupted, further affecting the water supply to large parts of the city. Once again, the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been blocked between Mandi and Kullu due to a massive landslide, just a day after it was reopened following a four-day closure. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed its workforce and heavy machinery to clear the blockage, but the disruption has left vehicles and tourists stranded. A flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall was reported at Katwadhi village under the Nandi Panchayat of Gohar subdivision in Mandi district. The sudden surge of water in the Naseni Nallah caused significant damage to local infrastructure, although fortunately, no loss of human life has been reported. As of this morning, 557 roads, including three national highways, remain closed for traffic. Of these, 213 are in Mandi district, 160 in Kullu, 28 in Shimla, 38 in Sirmaur, 60 in Kangra, 23 in Una, 14 in Lahaul and Spiti, 11 in Solan, and 9 in Bilaspur district. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, 936 power supply transformers and 223 water supply schemes have also been disrupted across the state. In Shimla, two individuals, Hemant and Pyare Lal, were injured after their houses were damaged by landslides in Thala village in Rampur Subdivision. Both were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Search Operation Launched In J&Ks Poonch After Locals Report Suspicious Movement

Mendhar/Jammu, Aug 30: Security forces on Saturday launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) along the border belt across 11 localities in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district following reports of suspicious movement, officials said. The operations were carried out in the Behra Kund, Potha Jungle, Surankote, Peer Tanora, Sangla, Mohalla Lohar Chandimarh, Kandi, Kangra, Keri Galhuta, Mughal Marah Mohalla Muri and Poli Wala Dhok areas of Mendhar, Mankote and Surankote. According to officials, the search operation was initiated after residents [] The post Search Operation Launched In J&Ks Poonch After Locals Report Suspicious Movement appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

380 tourists evacuated from Sissu, Manimahesh Yatris stranded in Chamba as Himachal reels under heavy rains

CHANDIGARH: Heavy rainfall has triggered fresh landslides and flash floods across five districts of Himachal Pradesh, Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul Spiti, Kangra, and Mandi, leaving the situation grim. Around 380 tourists stranded in Sissu, Lahaul and Spiti, have been safely evacuated. Meanwhile, pilgrims of the Manimahesh Yatra, which was suspended on Monday due to heavy rains, remain stranded in Chamba town owing to massive landslides. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over a disaster review meeting covering the five affected districts through video conference from New Delhi today. He discussed the current situation at length with the Divisional Commissioner, Kangra, stationed at Chamba, as well as with the Deputy Commissioner of Chamba and the Superintendent of Police, both stationed at Bharmour. Sukhu sought information about the stranded Manimahesh Yatris, losses incurred due to flash floods and heavy rains, and the status of ongoing relief and restoration works. He was informed that all the stranded devotees were safe and well attended to, with proper arrangements for food, shelter, and first aid. He directed the restoration of communication services across the district, particularly in Bharmour, to ensure that residents could contact their near and dear ones. Additionally, he instructed authorities to make arrangements for the safe return of the devotees housed in large numbers at Chamba Chaugan. It was also reported in the meeting that Jio, Airtel, and BSNL services have been restored in Chamba town, and the 25-kilometre road from Chamba to Bharmour has been reopened. Sukhu instructed the Chamba and Bharmour district administration to prioritise the evacuation of Manimahesh Yatris, especially women and children. He also directed the airlifting of the elderly and ill. He emphasised the provision of basic amenities, including food, shelter, and first aid, and instructed authorities to facilitate the safe journey of the stranded devotees to their destinations. In addition, he ordered airdrops of food at inaccessible locations where devotees were still stranded. Sukhu asked for adequate stocks of rations and vegetables, deployment of Air Force helicopters, and assignment of officers to ensure patch-wise restoration of roads washed away or blocked by landslides. He further called for additional manpower and machinery to clear roads swiftly and to restore water and electricity schemes. The Chief Minister was briefed on the status of blocked roads, disrupted electricity, irrigation and drinking water schemes, and communication services in the affected districts. He directed the Deputy Commissioners of Mandi and Kullu to ensure smooth vehicular movement through alternate routes and emphasised the prompt restoration of drinking water and electricity, alongside reopening blocked roads. Inquiring about the situation in Bara-Bhangal, Kangra district, Sukhu ordered airdrops of food grains and other essentials for residents. He also called for speedy assessments of land lost to the floods. He reviewed restoration works at Indora, Fatehpur, and Pong dam. Officials reported that the water level in Pong dam has decreased and that people from submerged areas have been safely relocated. Sukhu instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul and Spiti to ensure the evacuation of all tourists. Later, DC Lahaul and Spiti Kiran Bhadana confirmed that around 380 tourists stranded in Sissu had been safely evacuated. She reported that Jio and Airtel services had been restored, with further efforts underway to restore other networks. She also confirmed that power supply had been restored in many areas, and generation had resumed at Thirot electricity substation. The Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to coordinate with the district administration for the proper execution of these measures. It was reported that the PathankotChamba road is now open to all vehicles, while small vehicles are plying via the KamandKatola road towards Kullu. Sukhu directed the district administration to restrict this alternate route to small vehicles, with heavy vehicles halted at Mandi until roads are cleared. He was informed that the KulluMandi NH-03 is open to small vehicles and that major roads in Mandi have been cleared, except for the MandiSarkaghat route via Basahi/Dharampur.

Himachal Flash Floods: 310 Dead, Over Rs 2600 Crore Lost; IMD Issues Red Alert

Himachal Pradesh faces severe rainfall disaster with 310 deaths since June 20, major damage in Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, and Shimla.

Himachal rains: Govt buildings, bridges washed away by flash floods

Shimla: As rains wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, officials said flash floods in River Ravi have washed away several government buildings at the remote Bada Bangal village in Kangra district. However, no loss of life has been reported, they said. A primary and high school, the panchayat ghar, an ayurvedic dispensary and a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Four dead in land slides as flash floods in Ravi river wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh

CHANDIGARH: Flash floods in the Ravi river have caused massive destruction in Himachal Pradesh, washing away schools, panchayat buildings, bridges, and other key infrastructure in Kangra and Chamba districts. Several villages have been cut off, while separate landslides have claimed four lives and left two others injured. In Bada Bhangal, a remote Kangra village located between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, floodwaters have swept away the panchayat ghar, government primary and high school buildings, civil supplies store, Ayurvedic dispensary, and two bridges. Stocks of ration and medicines stored in these buildings were also lost. Sarpanch Mansa Ram Bhangalia said in a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra that the floods on August 26 have left the village facing imminent danger. Speaking to TNIE, he demanded an aerial survey under the Baijnath SDM and immediate relief measures. Kinnaur Kailash Yatra suspended, one pilgrim dead, 1196 rescued after cloudburst triggers flash flood in Himachal More than 300 residents are stranded in the village, while at least 150 shepherds and hundreds of goats, sheep and cattle are marooned on high pastures, he said. Any delay in providing relief could worsen the crisis as residents face acute shortages of food and medicines. He warned that many houses are at risk of collapsing due to severe erosion as the Ravi has washed away a five-kilometre stretch of land and even altered its course. Both trekking routes to the village, Thamsar Pass (4,654 m) and Kalihani Pass (4,800 m), have been rendered impassable, cutting off access. Bada Bhangal, inhabited mainly by the Gaddi community, remains one of the last strongholds of Himalayan pastoralism. The village is accessible only through a three-day foot trek, which typically closes after October snowfall, isolating it for nearly six months every year. Four died in landslides in Chamba Meanwhile, in Haloon village of Chamba district, a major portion was submerged after the Ravi swelled. At least nine houses were washed away, and several others are under threat. Luckily, all families were evacuated in time, preventing casualties. However, four people died in separate landslides in Chamba in the past 24 hours. In Basodhan panchayat, a brother and sister were buried under debris after stepping out to watch a landslide near their home. In Bhimla panchayat, four women working near their houses were hit by boulderstwo died on the spot, while two were critically injured. Authorities said more than 50 houses in Dalhousie are at risk, with electricity, water supply, and mobile connectivity cut off for two days. Another cloudburst hit Himachals Mandi; traffic disrupted on Chandigarh-Manali highway Elsewhere, Kullu, Manali, and Lahaul-Spiti remain cut off for the third consecutive day. Both the Kiratpur-Manali highway and the Manali-Leh highway have been severely damaged, leaving a large number of tourists stranded. Several portions of these highways have collapsed or been swept away. As of this morning, 534 roads, including one national highway, remain closed across the state. These include 216 in Mandi, 166 in Kullu, 65 in Kangra, 28 in Shimla, 20 in Una, 17 in Solan, 11 in Bilaspur, and 6 in Sirmaur. The State Emergency Operation Centre also reported disruptions to 1,184 power transformers and 503 water supply schemes.

Himachal Rain: Beas River Overflows, Manali Toll Plaza Submerged | Watch

Heavy rain in Himachal caused flash floods, landslides, and damage in Manali, Kangra, and Chamba. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu blamed climate change and suspended the Manimahesh Yatra.

Heavy rains cut off Kullu, Manali and Lahaul-Spiti; 687 roads closed, IMD issues red alert in Himachal

CHANDIGARH: Due to heavy rains triggering landslides and floods, Kullu, Manali and Lahaul-Spiti have been completely cut off from the rest of Himachal Pradesh for the second consecutive day. The KiratpurManali national highway and the ManaliLeh national highway have been badly damaged at multiple places. A total of 687 roads and three national highways across the state are either blocked or washed away by swollen rivers, nullahs and landslides. The KiratpurManali national highway has been washed away in several stretches between Mandi and Manali due to torrential rains and flash floods, with large portions of the road completely destroyed in places. The ManaliLeh highway, a vital link to Lahaul-Spiti, Leh and Ladakh, has also been severely damaged beyond Manali towards Keylong. As a result, thousands of travellers are stranded in Lahaul, Kullu-Manali and Mandi, with an estimated 2,000 vehicles stuck at various locations. Meanwhile, a suspension bridge on Gajj Khud at Kalasai in the Shahpur area of Kangra district has been washed away. The bridge, built in the 1990s, collapsed within minutes under the force of gushing waters, cutting off connectivity for several villages including Bhitlu, Daihda, Kotla, Maniyana and Kut. Authorities have cautioned that full restoration of highway connectivity, especially in stretches where roads have been entirely washed away, may take a few more days. As of this morning, 687 roads, including three national highways, remain closed for traffic. Of these, 319 are in Mandi district, 131 in Kullu, 56 in Shimla, 54 in Sirmaur, 34 in Kangra, 30 in Una, 27 in Solan, 19 in Bilaspur and 17 in Hamirpur, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre. In addition, 2,349 power transformers and 234 water supply schemes have been disrupted across the state. The IMD has issued a red alert for Chamba, Kangra and Mandi districts due to continuing heavy rainfall.

IMD issues red alert for heavy rains for three districts of Himachal Pradesh

Red alert for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts; road connectivity between Mandi and Kullu remains affected as both the main highway and alternate routes are blocked

Heavy rain batters Himachal: Roads closed, restaurant washed away in Manali; locals evacuated in Mandi

CHANDIGARH: Heavy rains have triggered landslides and swollen rivers and streams, disrupting road connectivity in several parts of Himachal Pradesh. The downpour has caused extensive damage to the KiratpurManali National Highway at multiple locations, forcing its closure to traffic. Several other roads and a restaurant were swept away in Manali while locals were evacuated in Mandi. Almost all districts in the hill state, except Lahaul and Spiti, have been receiving rainfall since Sunday night, with no respite expected until September 1. District administrations have ordered the closure of all educational institutions in Chamba, Kangra, Una, and Lahaul and Spiti. As per official directives, all government and private schools and colleges including DIET, Anganwadi centres, degree colleges, ITIs, polytechnics, and engineering and pharmacy colleges will also remain shut in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and the Kullu sub-divisions of Banjar, Kullu, and Manali. Sources said the KiratpurManali National Highway has been blocked at multiple critical points after landslides occurred at Dwada and Jhalogi in Mandi district. Near Bindu Dhank, close to Manali, a large section of the highway was washed away by the flooded Beas River, severely affecting road connectivity and completely disrupting traffic between Mandi and Manali. Efforts are underway to assess and repair the damaged stretches of the highway. Authorities have advised road users to avoid non-essential travel and refrain from attempting to cross blocked or waterlogged areas. Restoration work will begin once conditions stabilise and debris from landslides is cleared. As a precaution, the Manali district administration evacuated residents from the Bahang and Alu Ground areas late last night. In a timely rescue, one person trapped in a building in the Alu Ground locality was safely evacuated after sudden flooding. Officials have urged locals and tourists to stay away from riverbanks for the next 24 hours, warning that the situation remains volatile. The water level in the Beas and its tributaries continues to rise due to ongoing heavy rainfall. Public safety is our top priority, a government spokesperson said. The river is flowing above the danger mark in both Mandi and Kullu, raising concerns for residents in low-lying areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall, lightning, and thunderstorms in Chamba, Mandi, and Kangra districts. A yellow alert is in place for the next two days, followed by an orange alert for heavy rainfall until September 1. The severe weather poses risks of flash floods and landslides, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain vigilant. Since last nights downpour, the Beas River and its tributaries have swollen dangerously, triggering emergency evacuations and rescue operations. Emergency services, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are on standby. The state has been reeling under incessant rainfall over the last few weeks, which has caused widespread damage to life and property. As of Monday morning, 687 roads, including three national highways, remained closed to traffic. Of these, 319 were shut in Mandi district, 131 in Kullu, 56 in Shimla, 54 in Sirmaur, and 27 in Solan, according to data from the State Emergency Operation Centre. In addition, 2,349 power supply transformers and 234 water supply schemes have been disrupted across the state.

Monsoon fury: Landslips, flash floods leave trail of destruction in Himachal Pradesh

The local meteorological office has issued a 'red' alert, warning of intense to very intense spells of rain at isolated places in Kangra, Chamba, and Lahaul and Spiti districts

Three pilgrims die during Manimahesh Yatra; heavy rain forces closure of schools, roads in Himachal

CHANDIGARH: Three pilgrims died during the Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh during the trek reportedly due to lack of oxygen. The yatra has been suspended, as this year so far 14 pilgrims have died. Due to moderate to very heavy rainfall disrupting normal life, schools and colleges in eight out of 12 districts were closed. Additionally, 685 roads, including three national highways, remained shut for traffic. Sources said the deceased have been identified as Aman and Rohit, both 18 years old from Pathankot, and Anmol (26) from Gurdaspur in Punjab. Their bodies are being brought to Bharmour for post-mortem. Teams from the Mountaineering Training Institute and the NDRF have been deployed to bring the bodies, after which they will be handed over to their families. While Aman was rescued from Kamal Kund but succumbed at Gaurikund, Rohit collapsed on the Kugti track and Anmol died at Dhanchho. Meanwhile, incessant rainfall over the past 24 hours has forced authorities to temporarily suspend the yatra. Devotees have been advised to stay at safe locations until weather conditions improve. The yatra, which began on August 17 and is scheduled to conclude on September 15, has been badly hit by adverse weather. So far, 14 pilgrims have died this year due to oxygen shortage, landslides and falling rocks. Additional District Magistrate, Bharmaur, Kuldeep Singh Rana, said that in view of the rains and landslides, the Manimahesh Yatra has been suspended. Due to the heavy rains, normal life was disrupted across the state, prompting authorities to close schools and colleges in eight of 12 districts. All government and private educational institutes, including schools and colleges (except the residential ones), were shut in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, Chamba, Una and Solan districts. As a precautionary measure, all government and private educational and technical institutes, colleges, universities and anganwadis (except residential ones) will remain closed on Monday, stated the order issued by Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa. Meanwhile, 685 roads, including three national highways, remained closed for traffic. Out of these, 321 were blocked in Mandi district, 102 in adjoining Kullu and 82 in Chamba. National highway-3 (Mandi-Dharampur road), NH-154 (Mandi-Jogindernagar road) and NH-305 (Aut-Sainj) were also closed, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre. Additionally, 533 power supply transformers and 168 water supply schemes have been disrupted in the state. Between June 20 and August 24, at least 155 people have died in Himachal Pradesh in rain-related incidents, while 37 remain missing. The state has witnessed 77 flash floods, 40 cloudbursts and 80 major landslides so far. Losses due to rain-related incidents have been pegged at Rs 2,348 crore, according to the SEOC. The local meteorological office sounded a red alert predicting intense spells of rain at isolated places in Kangra and Chamba districts and urged people to stay cautious. The MeT also issued an orange warning of heavy to very heavy rain for isolated parts of the state and a yellow alert of heavy rain across Himachal till August 31. There were also reports of the season's first snow at Shipkila in the higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti district. Thunderstorms lashed Shimla, Sundernagar, Kangra, Palampur, Jot, Murari Devi and Bhuntar, the MeT said. The state received 703.7 mm of average rainfall during the current monsoon season (June 1 to August 25) against an average of 577.9 mm an excess of 22 per cent. In August alone, the state has so far recorded 44 per cent excess rain.

Heavy rains disrupt normal life in Himachal, schools closed in 8 districts

SHIMLA, Aug 25: Moderate to very heavy rain disrupted normal life in Himachal Pradesh on Monday, prompting the closure of schools and colleges in eight out of 12 districts, while 685 roads, including three national highways, remained closed for traffic. The local meteorological office sounded a red alert predicting intense spells of rain at isolated places in Kangra and Chamba districts on Monday and asked people to stay cautious. It also issued an orange warning of heavy to very [] The post Heavy rains disrupt normal life in Himachal, schools closed in 8 districts appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rains force closure of 484 roads in Himachal Pradesh; forecast of heavy shower till August 30

Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh have led to the closure of 484 roads, including two national highways, disrupting traffic and daily life. Several areas experienced waterlogging and flooding, damaging homes and infrastructure, particularly in Kangra district. The state has issued a yellow warning for more heavy rain, adding to the monsoon season's toll of 155 deaths and significant financial losses.

Himachal Pradesh monsoon havoc: Death toll rises to 276; 366 roads remain blocked

National Highway-305 in Kullu and NH-154 in Mandi remained blocked due to road sinking and landslides, while dozens of key link roads were rendered impassable in districts including Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, Sirmaur and Chamba.

3.9 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Kangra In Himachal Pradesh

Tremors were felt in parts of Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district after an earthquake of 3.9 intensity struck near Dharamshala town on Monday evening at 9.28 pm.

Earthquake hits Kangra in Himachal Pradesh

An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.9 struck near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district on Monday evening. The quake's epicenter was located 23 km from Dharamshala, with a depth of 10 km. Fortunately, officials reported no loss of life or property, despite the region's classification as a high-risk seismic zone.

Earthquake of magnitude 3.9 hits Himachal Pradesh's Kangra

The 3.9 magnitude earthquake struck Kangra at 9:28 PM IST on August 18, NCS said.

Himachal: Death toll climbs to 263, Shimla-Mandi NH cut off

Shimla, Aug 18: The monsoon death toll in Himachal Pradesh has mounted to 263 as torrential rains continue to wreak havoc across the state. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), two fresh fatalities were reported yesterday in separate road mishaps in Chamba and Kangra districts. Authorities said that nearly 397 roads, [] The post Himachal: Death toll climbs to 263, Shimla-Mandi NH cut off appeared first on Northlines .

Death toll reaches 257 in Himachal monsoon; Public infrastructure badly damaged

Himachal Pradesh has been devastated by monsoon rains since June 20, resulting in 257 deaths and widespread destruction. Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts are the worst-hit, with significant loss of life, property damage exceeding Rs 2,14,403 crore, and infrastructure disruption. Authorities caution of continued rainfall and urge residents to avoid travel in vulnerable areas.

Pickup truck falls into gorge in Himachal; 4 pilgrims from Punjab killed, 25 injured

SHIMLA: Four people from Punjab were killed and around 25 injured when a pickup truck they were travelling in plunged into a deep gorge near Jadrangal in Kangra district, police said on Friday. The vehicle was carrying pilgrims who were returning to Punjab's Moga from Mata Chamunda Devi temple in Kangra when it lost control on Chamunda-Dharamshala road near Ikku Mod and fell into the gorge, they said. A woman died on the spot while leaving the others injured. Police reached the spot when they got information about the accident and began rescue operations. The injured were rushed to Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College and Hospital, Tanda where three others succumbed to their injuries. The rest are receiving treatment in the hospital. Kiran (35), Sukhjinder Singh (35), Jagsir Singh (38) and Paramjeet Kaur (35), all residents of Bhagike village in Moga district, died in the accident. Police officials said a case has been registered and further investigations are underway.

IMD issues red alert for flash floods, cloudburst risk in Uttarakhand, week after Dharali disaster

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised a red alert, cautioning against an imminent threat of flash floods across the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Bihar and Sikkim in eastern India, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the south and some parts of Maharashtra. It has asked people to remain vigilant over the next 24 hours as nature prepares to unleash fury. IMDs caution applies to Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahul and Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts in Himachal and Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, and Uttarkashi districts in Uttarakhand. The weather office has alerted the Himalayan states, including the Jammu region, of extremely heavy rainfall up to 210 mm in the next day and heavy rain in the next 6-7 days. Satellite imagery shows scattered to broken intense convective clouds over Uttarakhand and also around Uttarkashi, which may cause cloudburst-induced flash floods. Uttarakhand cloudburst-hit Dharali villagers seek Kedarnath-style rebuild, relocation to nearby sites Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim of east India, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, east and north Telangana and Maharashtras Marathwada region may also witness low to moderate flash flood risk. In its bulletin, the IMD said inundation may occur at some saturated soils and low-lying areas over the regions of concern. The IMD has warned of hefty rainfall in west-central India adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off north Andhra and south Odisha coasts due to the emergence of a low-pressure area along the Bay of Bengal. Under its influence, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema, Telangana, and Karnataka are more likely to receive hefty rainfall from August 13 to 17. Fisherfolk have been advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea between August 13 and 18. A similar advice relates to areas along and off the Sri Lankan coast, along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast, and the Odisha coast during the same period. Blockbuster monsoon likely in the second fortnight of August, said Debashish Jena, researcher and agrometeorologist at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Uttarakhand. Experts blame decades of deodar tree felling for worsening Uttarkashi cloudburst

Heavy Rains Lash Delhi; Himachal Suffers Major Monsoon Damage

Mandi district reported the highest overall fatalities in rain-linked incidents (26), followed by Kangra (28) and Chamba (9)

Stolen vehicle recovered

Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Aug 13: The police have recovered a stolen vehicle bearing registration number HP38C-2245 from Udhampur area. An official spokesman said that the vehicle was initially seized on July 25 in connection with FIR No. 61/2025 U/S 223 BNS and 11 PCA Act registered at Police Station Majalta. During investigation and in close coordination with Himachal Pradesh Police, it was ascertained that the said vehicle had been reported stolen from District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, during the intervening night [] The post Stolen vehicle recovered appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Gauge conversion of Pathankot-Jogindernagar heritage rail line under survey: Vaishnaw

DHARAMSHALA (HP), Aug 11 : The historic 200-kilometre-long Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway line, a heritage marvel of the Kangra Valley, is set for modernisation with efforts underway to convert it to broad gauge. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a response to Rajya Sabha MP Indu Bala Goswami, informed that the survey work for the gauge conversion is currently in progress. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared and will be shared with the Himachal Pradesh government once completed for [] The post Gauge conversion of Pathankot-Jogindernagar heritage rail line under survey: Vaishnaw appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Monsoon Havoc in Himachal: 219 death toll, 112 in rain-related incidents, 107 in road accidents; widespread damaged

Himachal Pradesh has been ravaged by the monsoon season, resulting in 219 deaths and widespread destruction. Landslides, flash floods, and road accidents have contributed to the fatalities and significant damage to infrastructure, livestock, and property. Mandi and Kangra districts are the most severely affected, with authorities urging residents to remain cautious due to ongoing heavy rainfall forecasts.

Cloudburst In Himachal Pradesh's Kullu, Yellow Alert Issued For Several Districts

A yellow alert is also in place for several areas, including the Kangra,Una, and Sirmaur districts.

Jammu | Man Arrested For Assaulting Patwari In Kangrail

Jammu, August 8: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested a man for allegedly assaulting a government official in the Kangrail area. A police official said the incident took place on Wednesday morning when a Patwari was attacked while entering his office after field duty. He said the accused, identified as Abishek Suryavanshi of Kangrail, blocked the way of Patwari Susheel Kumar, assaulted him, and issued threats. Acting on the complaint, police registered a case under relevant sections of the [] The post Jammu | Man Arrested For Assaulting Patwari In Kangrail appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Himachal's Bada Bhangal village cut off after Kalihani river changes course due to landslides

CHANDIGARH: Due to heavy rains that triggered landslides, the Kalihani river has changed its course, cutting off Bada Bhangal, a remote tribal village situated at an altitude of nearly 7,800 feet in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, from the rest of the state. Located between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountain ranges, Bada Bhangal has a population of just over 400 people. The village is accessible only on foot via treacherous high-altitude passes - Thamsar Pass which is at a height of 4,654 metres and Kalihani Pass which is at 4,800 metres. These routes typically close after snowfall in October, isolating the village for around six months every year. Access to the footbridge over the Kalihani river has been washed away as the river has changed its course, thus blocking the pedestrian trekking route from Bir Billing in Baijnath subdivision as it has also been washed away at several places. Himachal rains: 453 roads blocked across state, total loss touches Rs 1,700 crore Mansa Ram Bhangalia, the sarpanch of the village, has written a letter to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Baijnath, urging immediate restoration of the pedestrian routes. He told TNIE that it currently takes three days to trek from Thamsar to reach the village, and the landslides have washed away several portions of the path. The estimated cost of repairing the approach to the bridge is approximately Rs 5 lakh. However, as the path has been washed away at several places, the damage cannot be estimated, he said. The supply of essential commodities including food items and medicines has been disrupted the last supply came three days back as continuous downpour is happening. The Food and Civil Supplies Department sends rations through the Kalihani route which is now impassable, he said. An official said that efforts are underway to restore the khachar route as soon as possible. We are closely monitoring the situation, the official added. The village is predominantly inhabited by members of the Gaddi community, a nomadic group that grazes livestock in high-altitude pastures during summer and migrates to Bir near Baijnath in the winter. However, due to changing weather conditions, many have migrated permanently, although some still remain in the village, braving the harsh environment.

Himachal rains: 453 roads blocked across state, total loss touches Rs 1,700 crore

CHANDIGARH: Heavy downpour since Monday evening triggered widespread landslides and flooding across Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, blocking the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway and several other roads and disrupting day to day life. A total of 453 roads including four national highways closed across the state. Till now, 192 persons have lost their lives in landslides, cloudbursts, flashfloods and 301 are injured. The total loss caused by flashfloods and torrential rain in the state has touched Rs 1,753.63 crore. As per the state emergency operation centre, as on Tuesday morning, 449 roads and four national highways were blocked across the state. Of these, 318 roads and three national highways are in Mandi district, 67 roads and one national highways in Kullu district, 23 roads in Kangra district, 22 roads in Sirmour district, ten roads in Una district, four each in Bilaspur and Chamba districts and one in Shimla. Additionally, 753 electricity transformers have been damaged and 276 water supply schemes disrupted. The Public Works Department suffered a loss of Rs 880 crore, followed by the Jal Shakti Department at Rs 618 crore, horticulture sector Rs 27.43 crore and the agriculture sector Rs 11.45 crore. Sources said that the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been blocked at many places due to landslides and continuous shooting stones. Also, the alternate road via KataulaKamand is blocked due to similar conditions. Not only these important roads, the Mandi-Dharampur highway via Kotli is blocked near Kainchi Mod and Mandi-Jogindernagar highway is also impassable. The Mandi-Rewalsar road near Lohardi has been blocked as several link roads in different parts of the district have reported landslides and water logging. Due to incessant rains, the Beas River and its tributaries are on the verge of flooding low-lying regions. Due to water logging in the Balh area of Mandi the movement of public and emergency services has further complicated. The district administration has launched extensive restoration efforts but due to persistent rainfall and unstable terrain these efforts have been hampered. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and regular updates are expected as conditions evolve. Meanwhile, road users are being urged to strictly follow the instructions issued by local authorities and on-ground personnel. Mandi Police have issued public advisories urging residents and travelers to avoid unnecessary movement and stay away from riversides and landslide-prone zones. Emergency response teams are on alert and restoration machinery has been deployed to clear debris and reopen the affected routes. The Meteorological Department has forecasted continued rainfall for the next few hours, prompting authorities to remain vigilant. An orange alert for heavy rain in Una, Bilaspur and Kangra districts and a yellow alert for heavy rain in Sirmaur, Mandi and Hamirpur districts on August 5 have been issued.

Water level in Pong dam rises sharply due to heavy rainfall; BBMB warns of possible spillway release

CHANDIGARH: Due to continuous heavy rainfall in the region over the past twenty-four hours, the water level in Pong Dam has risen significantly and is now approximately 29 feet below the danger mark. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has issued a warning that excess water might soon be released from the dam by opening the spillway. The district administrations of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh and Hoshiarpur in Punjab have been asked to take immediate precautionary measures. Sources said that the water level in the reservoir of the dam, built over the River Beas in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, currently stands at 1361.07 feet as of this morning, significantly higher than the 1328.45 feet recorded on the same day last year. The increase has been attributed to heavy rainfall in the hill state, along with the recent release of water from the Pandoh Dam in Mandi district. Local tributaries such as Dehar Khud, Buhal Khud and Dehri Khud, which are also in full spate, have further contributed to the inflow into the reservoir. The dam's maximum storage capacity is 1410 feet, while the danger level is marked at 1390 feet. With an average inflow of 87,586 cusecs recorded this morning, the BBMB has ordered the release of 18,995 cusecs of water through the turbines. As per a letter dated August 2 written to the Deputy Commissioners of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh and Hoshiarpur in Punjab, along with other officials, the Additional Superintending Engineer (Water Regulation) stated, In view of the current inflow pattern at the Pong Dam and rainfall forecast issued by the Indian Meteorological Department for the Beas catchment area, excess water may be released through the Pong Dam spillway in the near future, it added. You are therefore requested to take all necessary precautionary measures and the concerned civil, irrigation, drainage and flood control authorities under your jurisdiction may please be informed accordingly, the letter reads. Sources further added that sirens have been installed at Rey, Sthana, Sansarpur Terrace and Riyali to warn locals in advance of any water release from the dam. Sources also stated that since yesterday evening, Una district in Himachal has received extremely heavy rainfall measuring 222.8 mm, leading to severe water accumulation on roads, markets and residential areas, significantly disrupting daily life. The ChandigarhDharamshala National Highway has also experienced flooding in multiple locations, with water entering several homes. While the River Beas and its tributaries remain flooded, a section of the bridge over the river near Sujanpur Tira in Hamirpur district has developed cracks. Additionally, the road link between Sujanpur Tira and Khairi near Sandhole has been completely severed due to high water levels in the river.

Himachal cabinet cancels 172 stalled hydro projects

CHANDIGARH: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved the cancellation of 172 small hydro projects, each below 5 MW capacity, under the Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA), where construction had allegedly stalled for an extended period. The state government will re-advertise these projects, as per the decision taken at a cabinet meeting. It was also decided to apply a uniform free power royalty of 12 per cent, along with an additional one per cent for the Local Area Development Fund, for all hydro projects up to 5 MW that will be allotted in the future. The cabinet further approved the cancellation of 22 hydroelectric projects above 5 MW, previously allotted by the Directorate of Energy, where implementation agreements had not been signed. For the remaining projects, developers have been allowed time until 5 August 2025 to submit replies to the notices served. A committee will be constituted to negotiate with 14 project developers for an out-of-court settlement to refund the principal amount of the upfront premium, without interest. Amendments were also approved to the Himachal Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) and Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2015. Under the revised provisions, contractors or agencies engaged in road cutting will now be permitted to use the generated material during the de-siltation and maintenance of reservoir projects for captive purposes. Additionally, any leftover stacked raw material or finished product, along with the entire material generated, shall be auctioned by the designated committee in accordance with the prescribed procedure. The cabinet also approved amendments to the existing compassionate employment policy. Under the revised policy, the annual income eligibility criterion per family has been increased from 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh. Priority for compassionate appointments will now be given to widows and parentless applicants below 45 years of age, as well as to the dependents of government officials who died while performing their duties. Furthermore, in cases where vacancies under the existing 5 per cent quota for such appointments are unavailable, the cabinet has permitted a one-time relaxation of this quota to ensure eligible applicants are accommodated. The cabinet also gave its approval to allow women workers to be engaged in shops and commercial establishments during night shifts, from 7 pm to 7 am, to promote gender equality. It was also decided to grant maternity benefits to every woman employee working in such establishments, as prescribed under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. An increase in the number of B.Sc. Nursing seats at Sister Nivedita Government Nursing College, Shimla, from 60 to 100 was also approved. Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned the establishment of a new B.Sc. Nursing College with an annual intake of 60 seats at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra at Tanda, along with the creation and filling of 27 posts across various categories. A cabinet sub-committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan to oversee the development of a 300-acre Medical Device Park at Nalagarh. The sub-committee has been instructed to submit its report within two months. To facilitate the expansion of Kangra Airport, the cabinet granted a one-year extension up to 16 August 2026, under Section 26 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, for land acquisition proceedings. It also gave its nod to the draft Development Plan for the Dhaulakuan Majra Planning Area in Sirmaur district. The plan aims to conserve natural resources and scenic beauty while promoting sustainable economic development in the region. Finally, the cabinet approved the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State Government and Alliance Air Aviation Limited for operating flights on the ShimlaDharamshalaShimla route. The MoU will now remain in effect from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.

Himachal rains: Three dead, one injured as sudden downpour triggers flood in Mandi

CHANDIGARH: At least three people have died and one injured missing in Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rain overnight. More than 20 vehicles have been submerged and around two dozen houses partially damaged; the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, Chandigarh-Dharamsala, Mandi-Pathankot and Shimla-Mataur highways have been blocked. Sources said that a flash flood struck Mandi district early Tuesday morning. Four members of a family had reportedly come out of their house in the wee hours to shift their vehicle to a safer place, but were swept away in the sudden flood; three have been confirmed dead, while one person suffered a fracture and has been admitted to a local hospital. The incident occured on Jail Road Tungal colony in Mandi town as Sukati nullah overflowed due to sudden heavy rains and caused widespread destruction. The water entered several locations in about five-kilometer area besides the Jail Road, Saini Mohalla and Zonal hospital area. The flashflood washed away dozens of parked vehicles, while muck and debris entered homes and damaged property. Locals were caught off guard by the sudden rise in water levels. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing; teams of SDRF, volunteers and district administration are engaged in clearing debris and are trying to locate the missing person. Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorva Devgan said that rescue operations are in full swing and about 15 to 20 people have been rescued. The victims were attempting to move their vehicles to safer locations when they were washed away along with their vehicles. The body of one person was found stuck in an auto-rickshaw, he added. Devgan said that more than dozen people trapped inside their houses were rescued. The rescue teams had to break window panes and doors to rescue them as their houses were filled with mud and silt, he said. The flash floods triggered landslides, blocking the Chandigarh-Manali NH at multiple points, specifically at 4 Miles, 9 Miles near Pandoh and Dwada. Also, the Mandi-Pathankot highway is blocked due to a landslide at the Lavandi Bridge near Jogindernagar. Many other interior roads in the district have also been blocked due to landslides and water-logging. A massive landslide triggered by incessant rains blocked the National Highway near Kangra, cutting off the only main road access to Dharamsala, McLeodganj and surrounding areas. Landslides also blocked the Shimla-Mataur National Highway at Old Kangra Ghat and reports of uprooting of trees and electricity have also poured from several parts of the state. The Met office had issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated areas of Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Tuesday. It also issued a yellow warning of heavy rains at isolated places in Chamba, Shimla and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday, and Una, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Wednesday. Since the start of the monsoon season this year from June 20 till July 28, the hill state has suffered a loss of Rs 1523 crore. So far 90 people have died and 35 have gone missing in rain-related incidents and 1320 houses have been fully or partially damaged in the state. A total of 200 roads, including 121 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, were closed for vehicular traffic on Monday night. 62 power distribution transformers and 110 water supply schemes have also been affected across the state, as per the State Emergency Operation Centre. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths

Himachal rains: Two dead, one missing as sudden downpour triggers flood in Mandi

CHANDIGARH: At least three people have died and one person has gone missing in Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rain overnight. More than 20 vehicles have been submerged and around two dozen houses partially damaged; the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, Chandigarh-Dharamsala, Mandi-Pathankot and Shimla-Mataur highways have been blocked. Sources said that a flash flood struck Mandi district early Tuesday morning. Four members of a family had reportedly come out of their house in the wee hours to shift their vehicle to a safer place, but were swept away in the sudden flood; the bodies of two persons were recovered, one person is missing, while another person suffered a fracture and has been admitted to a local hospital. The incident occured on Jail Road Tungal colony in Mandi town as Sukati nullah overflowed due to sudden heavy rains and caused widespread destruction. The water entered several locations in about five-kilometer area besides the Jail Road, Saini Mohalla and Zonal hospital area. The flashflood washed away dozens of parked vehicles, while muck and debris entered homes and damaged property. Locals were caught off guard by the sudden rise in water levels. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing; teams of SDRF, volunteers and district administration are engaged in clearing debris and are trying to locate the missing person. Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorva Devgan said that rescue operations are in full swing and about 15 to 20 people have been rescued, while one missing person is yet to be located. The victims were attempting to move their vehicles to safer locations when they were washed away along with their vehicles. The body of one person was found stuck in an auto-rickshaw, he added. Devgan said that more than dozen people trapped inside their houses were rescued. The rescue teams had to break window panes and doors to rescue them as their houses were filled with mud and silt, he said. The flash floods triggered landslides, blocking the Chandigarh-Manali NH at multiple points, specifically at 4 Miles, 9 Miles near Pandoh and Dwada. Also, the Mandi-Pathankot highway is blocked due to a landslide at the Lavandi Bridge near Jogindernagar. Many other interior roads in the district have also been blocked due to landslides and water-logging. A massive landslide triggered by incessant rains blocked the National Highway near Kangra, cutting off the only main road access to Dharamsala, McLeodganj and surrounding areas. Landslides also blocked the Shimla-Mataur National Highway at Old Kangra Ghat and reports of uprooting of trees and electricity have also poured from several parts of the state. The Met office had issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated areas of Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Tuesday. It also issued a yellow warning of heavy rains at isolated places in Chamba, Shimla and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday, and Una, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Wednesday. Since the start of the monsoon season this year from June 20 till July 28, the hill state has suffered a loss of Rs 1523 crore. So far 90 people have died and 35 have gone missing in rain-related incidents and 1320 houses have been fully or partially damaged in the state. A total of 200 roads, including 121 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, were closed for vehicular traffic on Monday night. 62 power distribution transformers and 110 water supply schemes have also been affected across the state, as per the State Emergency Operation Centre. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths

Himachal weather update: Orange & yellow alerts for 5 days, IMD warns tourists and locals to stay cautious

Himachal Pradesh is bracing for more rainfall. The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for several districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected from July 29 to August 3. Kullu, Kangra, and Mandi are under high alert. Residents and tourists are advised to stay cautious. Despite the rain, the state still faces a rainfall deficit. Temperatures are normal.

Desis Embarrassed As Foreigner Picks Litter Left Behind By Indian Tourists In Himachal; 'Hum Nahi Sudhrenge'

The video has left many embarrassed. A video of a foreign tourist picking up trash at a scenic spot in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, has gone viral on social media.

Foreign Tourist Picks Up Trash at Himachal Waterfall, Sparks Civic Sense Debate

Viral video from Kangra shows foreign visitor cleaning litter as Indian tourists look on; netizens slam public apathy

Himachal CM asks Centre to expedite matters pertaining to States civil aviation sector

The Chief Minister has urged the Ministry to recommend the proposed expansion of the airport in the States Kangra

Himachal Pradesh monsoon havoc: Death toll rises to 135, most casualties in Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, Chamba

The cumulative death toll has reached 135, of which 76 are due to rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, and electrocution, while 59 deaths have occurred in road accidents, according to the SDMA's Cumulative Loss Report dated July 22, 2025.

Newlywed couple killed as landslides, flash floods wreak havoc in Himachal

CHANDIGARH: Heavy rainfall battered Himachal Pradesh, claiming the lives of a newlywed couple and disrupting connectivity across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extreme heavy rainfall in Shimla, Sirmaur, Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts and advised people to avoid travel. Several parts of the state have been receiving heavy showers since Sunday night. The newlywed couple was killed in Chamba after a boulder crashed onto their house while they were asleep. Deputy Commissioner of Chamba, Mukesh Repaswal, said that a landslide hit two houses at Chari village of Chamba early in the morning. They had got married three months ago and were visiting the womans parental house at Chari when the incident occurred. The bodies have been recovered, he said. The heavy rainfall has also triggered landslides which have blocked the Chandigarh-Manali national highway at several points and cut off access to Kasauli, with over 401 roads shut across the state. The highway has been blocked at several locations, including Dwada, Jhalogi, Kainchi Mod, and near Pandoh in Mandi district, as well as NH-305 near Banjar in Kullu district, bringing traffic to a standstill. While the main route remains closed, an alternative route between Mandi and Kullu via Kamand and Kataula is currently open and being used to divert vehicles. Rescue and road clearance teams have been deployed to restore connectivity, but ongoing rainfall continues to hamper the efforts. As many as 401 roads across the state remain blocked due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, according to data released this evening by the State Emergency Operation Centre. Of these, 242 are in Mandi district, 55 in Kullu, 27 each in Shimla and Sirmaur, and 25 in Chamba. The report also noted disruptions to 682 electricity transformers and 151 water supply schemes. In Sirmaur, National Highway (NH) 707 remains blocked near Uttari due to falling debris. Meanwhile, in Solan district, traffic movement was severely disrupted as multiple routes -- including Kotli-Dharampur, Dharampur-Subathu, Dharampur-Kasauli, Jandauri-Pratha-Nabon, Kunihar-Totu, Waknaghat-Mamlig, and Kasauli-Jangeshu -- were hit by landslides following continuous rainfall. Massive traffic jams have been reported on these roads, forcing many travellers to take long detours or cancel their travel plans altogether. Most rivers and rivulets across the state are also in spate, prompting the opening of floodgates at the Larji and Kol dams as a precautionary measure. In response to the rising water levels, the administrations in Mandi and Chamba have also ordered the closure of schools in several areas of the two districts. Flash floods were reported in Churah sub-division of Chamba and Anni sub-division of Kullu following two cloudbursts. Meanwhile, a flood-like situation has emerged in several parts of Seraj in Mandi district, which had already been hit by flash floods on July 1. Continuous rainfall has forced the closure of schools in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, including Thunag sub-division in Mandi, and Kumarsain, Theog, Rohru, Jubbal, and Chopal in Shimla district. In Mandi, a vehicle was buried under a landslide near Thalot, while the Nakrod-Thalli bridge in Chamba district was washed away. In Shimla, the Jubbarhatti road was shut, leaving office-goers stranded for hours. So far this monsoon season, the state has witnessed 34 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts, and 21 landslides, resulting in approximately Rs 1,235 crore in losses. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday spoke over the phone with the Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts to take stock of the situation caused by the ongoing spell of torrential rains. In light of the prevailing weather conditions, he directed officials to remain on alert and take proactive steps to prevent any untoward incidents. He also urged the public to stay away from rivers and nullahs. People's safety is our foremost priority. I request everyone to avoid going near water bodies and to strictly follow all advisories issued by the district administration, he said. Sukhu emphasised the importance of coordination among departments to ensure timely response in case of emergencies such as landslides, road blockages or flash floods. He directed that proper flow of essential services be ensured so that people do not face any inconvenience in their day to day activities. The chief minister also expressed grief over the death of the newly married couple at Sutaah gram panchayat of Rajnagar in Chamba district.

Orange alert issued in Himachal Pradesh; roads blocked, Kinnar Kailash Yatra postponed

SHIMLA: Several roads were blocked and the ongoing Kinnar Kailash Yatra halted due to incessant rains in Himachal Pradesh on Friday. The pilgrimage to Kinnar Kailash, the winter abode of Lord Shiva located at an altitude of 19.850 feet in Kinnaur district, commenced on July 15 and was to continue till August 30. However, the rains have rendered the journey unsafe and hence the pilgrimage stands halted until the weather clears up and the route is declared safe, Kinnaur Police said. The Lahaul and Spiti administration has also temporarily suspended bike rides on the Manali-Leh highway until further orders. Torrential rains have led to the closure of around 250 roads in Himachal Pradesh. Accoring to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 181 roads were closed in disaster-hit Mandi, 26 in Sirmaur and 23 in Kullu district, while 61 water supply schemes and 81 power distribution transformers were affected as of Friday morning. The local meteorological office has issued an orange alert for 'heavy' to 'very heavy' rainfall in isolated areas of the state on July 21 and 23, officials said. A yellow alert has been issued for 'heavy' rains at isolated places till Sunday. Meanwhile, 'light' to 'moderate' rains lashed parts of the state on Thursday evening. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths Jogindernagar received 40 mm of rain, Sarahan 38 mm, Jatton Barrage 28.6 mm, Kothi 28.4 mm, Shilaroo 26.4 mm, Murari Devi 26 mm, Narkanda 25.5 mm, Jot 23 mm, Poanta Sahib 22.2 mm, Dharamshala 21 mm, Palampur 19.8 mm, Kufri 18.1 mm, Shimla 16.6 mm, Dhaulakuan 14 mm, Manali 12.2 mm, Jubbarhatti 12 mm and Solan 11.2 mm Kangra and Palampur witnessed thunderstorms while Kufri and Bajaura saw gusty winds with speeds ranging from 37 to 39 kilometres per hour. The State Emergency Operation Centre said that from the onset of monsoon on June 20 to July 17, around 112 people have lost their lives -- 67 in rain-related incidents and 45 in road accidents. Around 199 people have been injured, while 35 are missing, it added. Himachal Pradesh, which has witnessed 31 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts and 19 landslides this monsoon, has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 1,220 crore, the department said. Meanwhile, officials said search operations are still continuing to trace the 27 people who were washed away in the cloudburst and landslides that hit parts of Mandi district on June 30 night. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government is working around the clock to provide relief and rehabilitation to people affected by natural disasters. Sukhu said that Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur is in constant touch with him, as his constituency Seraj has suffered extensive damages. Besides Seraj, other areas including Dharampur, Karsog and Nachan have also been severely affected by the rains, Sukhu said in a statement, adding that Union ministers have been apprised in detail about the situation in these regions during his recent Delhi visit. I hope the people of the state will receive some relief when the Union Home Minister visits Himachal Pradesh, the chief minister added. He emphasised that rehabilitation of the affected people is a prime responsibility of the state government. Non-forest lands will be allocated to them, as the allocation of forest lands would require approval from the Central government. The state's priority is to reopen roads in the disaster-hit regions to ensure farmers and horticulturists can transport apples, vegetables and other produce to the markets without hindrance, Sukhu said. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed that the Himachal Road Transport Corporation has resumed mini bus services on several routes in Seraj from Friday.

Monsoon fury claims 105 lives in Himachal Pradesh; 61 rain-related, 44 in road accidents, reveals SDMA Report

Himachal Pradesh faced immense loss due to heavy rainfall. Landslides and flash floods caused 61 deaths. Road accidents claimed 44 lives. Mandi and Kangra districts were severely affected. Infrastructure suffered major damage. Monetary losses exceeded 78 crore. Many houses were damaged. Emergency teams are working on restoration. The State Disaster Management Authority is monitoring the situation.

Four die in Himachal, five in Rajasthan's Kota as rain plays havoc

NEW DELHI: Four people died in Himachal Pradesh as rain continues to wreak havoc in the state, while five were swept away in Rajasthan's Kota at a barrage after a heavy downpour caused the authorities to release water from a reservoir. In Himachal, more than 200 roads are out of bounds for vehicular traffic, a majority of them in Mandi, while a flash flood warning has been issued for 12 districts in Jharkhand. An individual each drowned in Kullu and Kangra districts, one died after being bitten by a snake in Bilaspur, while one was killed after falling from a height, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. Since the onset of monsoon on June 20, 61 people have died in the state in rain-related incidents. In Rajasthan, Khatauli in Kota district recorded 198 mm of rain over 24 hours, the highest in the state. Five youths were swept away in the Chambal River Monday afternoon after the water level suddenly rose following the release of water from 12 gates of the Kota Barrage. The identity of the five missing youths is yet to be confirmed, as the rescued individual is not in a condition to provide detailed information at this stage, Digod Police Station SHO Purshottam Mehta said. Due to continuous rainfall in the region, the authorities opened all 12 gates of the Kota Barrage at 11.30 am on Monday, releasing approximately 2.2692 lakh cusecs of water downstream, said Nisha Sharma, Junior Engineer at Kota Barrage. A met department official said that a circulation system over Madhya Pradesh has intensified into a low-pressure area. Due to the system, parts of Kota, Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur divisions have seen heavy rain since yesterday. Delhi got a decent drizzle towards the evening, lifting the heavy humid pall it had sweltered under during the day. According to IMD data, Lodhi Road recorded the highest cumulative rainfall at 18.5 mm till 8.30 am on Monday. Pragati Maidan received 24.3 mm of rain, Ayanagar, 15.5 mm, Safdarjung, 15.8 mm, and Palam, 8.5 mm. In Himachal Pradesh, 208 roads, including 157 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, are closed for vehicular traffic, while 745 water supply schemes and 139 power distribution transformers were affected. The local Met office has issued an Orange alert of heavy to very heavy rain in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on Monday, and Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur on Tuesday. It issued a Yellow alert, meaning heavy rain, for at least three of the 12 districts till Friday. In Odisha, the weather department forecasted heavy rainfall in 19 of the 30 districts, as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a well-marked system. The India Meteorological Department cautioned fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next 24 hours in the north Bay of Bengal, as squally winds, blowing at 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, were likely to prevail along and off north Odisha. A red warning was issued for extremely heavy rain, above 20 centimetres, in Mayurbhanj, Keonhar and Sundargarh. Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore were predicted to receive 12 cm to 20 cm of rain. The remaining districts were forecasted to witness 7-11 cm of precipitation. Kolkata is likely to experience spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers over the next 24 hours. Light to moderate rain is likely across South Bengal districts, as a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre here. In Jharkhand, a flash flood warning was issued for Bokaro, East Singhbhum, Garhwa, Gumla, Khunti, Latehar, Lohardaga, Palamu, Ranchi, Saraikela, Simdega, and West Singhbhum districts till 11.30 am on Tuesday. Surface runoff and inundation may occur in some low-lying areas, the IMD said. A Red alert was sounded for heavy to extremely heavy rain in Saraikela-Kharswan, East Singhbhum, and West Singhbhum districts, and an Orange alert for Gumla, Khunti, and Simdega districts till 8.30 am on Tuesday. The weather office has issued a Yellow alert for heavy rain in Ranchi, Lohardaga, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Jamtara, Hazaribag, Giridih, Koderma, and Deoghar till 8.30 am tomorrow. Ranchi Meteorological Centre Deputy Director Abhishek Anand said the state is likely to experience widespread rainfall till July 17 under the influence of a depression and monsoon trough.

Flood fears mount as IMD issues orange alert for Himachal

Shimla, July 10: After three days of partial respite, Himachal Pradesh is once again under threat from renewed monsoon fury, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert today for several districts including Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, and Sirmaur, warning of low to moderate flash flood risks and intense rainfall over isolated [] The post Flood fears mount as IMD issues orange alert for Himachal appeared first on Northlines .

Himachal receives 'yellow' alert; risk of low to moderate flash floods across seven districts in next 24 hours

CHANDIGARH: As heavy rains continue to lash Himachal Pradesh, the local meteorological department on Tuesday issued a warning stating that there is a risk of low to moderate flash floods in the next twenty four hours in parts of seven districts including Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur. A 'yellow' alert warning of heavy rains in isolated places across the state till next Monday has also been issued. The state has received 203.2 mm of rain against the normal of 152.6 mm from June 1 to July 8. Monsoon arrived in Himachal Pradesh on June 20. While Mandi district recorded 110 per cent excess rain, Shimla received 89 per cent and Una 86 per cent during this period. Many parts of the hill state have been receiving moderate to heavy rain since Monday evening. Meanwhile Gohar has recorded 85 mm of rainfall, followed by 84.5 mm in Sarahan, 60 mm in Baijnath, 54.2 mm in Nahan, 48 mm in Poanta Sahib, 46.2 mm in Naina Devi, 37 mm in Kasauli, 28 mm in Jogindernagar and 27.2 mm in Palampur. As per the data with the State Emergency Operation Centre in Mandi district, 14 people have lost their lives, four injured, 28 missing and 290 rescued, while 466 houses have been damaged and 477 people are in relief camps. A total of 225 roads, including 153 in the worst-hit Mandi district, have been closed, while 163 transformers and 174 water supply schemes have been affected in the state. 23 flash floods, 19 cloudbursts and 16 landslides have been recorded since the onset of monsoon on June 20. Since then, 85 deaths were recorded in the state, of which 52 were due to rain-related incidents and 28 fatalities were caused by road accidents. In Mandi district, search and rescue operations have been intensified as drones and sniffer dogs are being used to trace 28 people who went missing last week in Thunag, Gohar and Karsog subdivisions. So far, the estimated losses due to rains stand at around Rs 692 crore.

Death toll in Himachal rises to 80; 52 deaths rain-related, 28 in road accidents: SDMA

Heavy rain-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh have tragically claimed 80 lives, with Mandi and Kangra districts being the hardest hit. The State Disaster Management Authority reports that 52 fatalities were directly caused by landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts. Extensive damage to infrastructure, livestock, and homes has been reported, prompting ongoing rescue operations and relief efforts by NDRF and SDRF teams.