Orange Alert issued in 8 districts of Himachal as Monsoon havoc continues

Shimla, July 14,

Himachal Pradesh remains in the grip of a worsening monsoon disaster, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, Chamba, Bilaspur, Solan, and Sirmaur districts. The alert, valid for the next 48 hours, warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated areas—raising the spectre of fresh landslides, flash floods, and infrastructure damage.

Already reeling from continuous downpours since late June, the state has recorded 98 deaths, including two recent fatalities in a road accident, according to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Centre. In addition, 34 people are missing, and more than 150 have sustained injuries. Cloudbursts and landslides remain the leading causes of these tragedies.

Mandi district has emerged as the epicentre of destruction, bearing the highest casualty count and facing severe infrastructure disruption. Critical routes such as the Mandi–Pandoh and Taleli–Trifalghat roads remain blocked, while many link roads in the hills are barely motorable.

Persistent rains have also grounded helicopter sorties, stalling aerial relief and evacuation efforts. According to Mandi Police’s latest advisory, movement along multiple road stretches has been restricted due to the continued threat of landslides.

On the ground, rescue teams from NDRF, SDRF, and the Indian Army are working round-the-clock but remain stretched thin across multiple disaster-hit zones. Over 15 bridges and hundreds of roads have been damaged across Himachal Pradesh, worsening the crisis of connectivity.

In response, the state government has cancelled leaves of all field staff from PWD, Jal Shakti Vibhag, and HPSEB, instructing them to remain available for emergency restoration efforts.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has travelled to New Delhi to seek special financial assistance from the central government. However, state authorities have expressed discontent over the lack of adequate central support even after last year’s monsoon destruction.

Interestingly, several of the worst-affected regions fall under constituencies represented by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, a fact that political analysts say might compel the Centre to respond more decisively this time.

Meanwhile, the government has urged both locals and tourists to strictly avoid landslide-prone zones, riverbanks, and hilly terrains until the alert is lifted. Authorities are continuously updating advisories as the situation evolves.

With the Orange Alert in force and rain clouds still looming, Himachal Pradesh’s struggle continues—caught between natural fury and the race to rebuild amid uncertain support.

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Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.