Normal life in Himachal Pradesh has been badly affected due to the continuous heavy monsoon rains. In the past 24 hours, Bilaspur district’s Kahu recorded the highest rainfall of 190 millimeters. The heavy rains have swollen rivers and streams across the state. The Meteorological Department has issued a Red Alert for heavy rainfall in Chamba and Kangra districts for the next few hours.

Orange Alerts have been issued for Kullu, Mandi, Hamirpur, Una, and Bilaspur districts. The administration has appealed to people to remain cautious and avoid landslide-prone areas and places near rivers and streams. Amidst the ongoing heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, all educational institutions in eight districts – Kangra, Chamba, Una, Mandi, Kullu, Solan, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur – have been declared closed today.

In Chamba district, three devotees lost their lives during the sacred Manimahesh Yatra, the district administration has suspended the pilgrimage due to adverse conditions. Heavy rainfall has created flood-like situations in several areas of Kangra district, including Indora, Nurpur, and Fatehpur, where the administration is engaged in efforts to ensure people’s safety.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, landslides have blocked three national highways and 625 connectivity roads across the state. In Kullu district, National Highway-305 is closed, while in Mandi district, the Chandigarh-Manali NH-3 and the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway -154 are also blocked.