Himachal Pradesh Rains: Death Toll Rises To 17, Water Level In Beas River Surges, Chandigarh-Manali Highway Disrupted - Latest Updates

Shimla: Heavy rains have lashed Himachal Pradesh over the past few days, throwing normal life out of gear. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert across the state on Tuesday. Mandi district of the state is the worst affected due to heavy showers. The death toll in the rain-related incidents has risen to 17 in the state.

According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), a total of 259 roads remained blocked, while 614 power distribution transformers (DTRs) and 130 water supply schemes were disrupted across the state due to heavy showers over the past 24 hours.

"The monsoon is intensifying its grip, and the impact is visible across multiple districts. Roads, power lines, and water systems are all severely affected," said an SEOC official as quoted by ANI.

Notably, Mandi is the worst affected district, with 139 roads blocked and 314 power transformers disrupted, mostly in Gohar (199), Mandi II (79), and J Nagar (18), reported the news agency. The Beas River in Mandi flows over the danger mark.

A person was killed due to cloudbursts in Mandi's Kasong, while seven people were missing in Syanj after a house was washed away in a flash flood, reported News18. Authorities are engaged in relief operations across the hill state.

The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has reportedly also been disrupted for traffic.

Sirmaur reported 92 water supply schemes were disrupted, including 19 in Nohradhar and 16 in Pachhad. Kullu reported 20 blocked roads and 47 water schemes disrupted, especially in sub-divisions Kullu, Largi, and Anni. Lahaul and Spiti had the highest single-point transformer disruption--139 DTRs in Spiti alone.

The government advised the public to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, especially in hilly and vulnerable regions.

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Himachal Pradesh's Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Shimla districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Heavy to very heavy rains are predicted in Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Shimla.