Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Himachal Pradesh: SEOC Update

The local Met office has warned of potential flash floods in parts of six districts in Himachal Pradesh. Heavy rains have led to the closure of 76 roads, including National Highway 5. The state has already endured significant losses and fatalities due to ongoing rain-related incidents.

The local Met office on Tuesday issued warnings for low to moderate flash floods in parts of six out of 12 districts in Himachal Pradesh. The affected districts include Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur, with predictions valid till Wednesday. Moderate rains are continuing to lash various parts of the state.

The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that a total of 76 roads, including the National Highway 5, are currently closed for vehicular traffic. Among these, 34 roads are closed in Shimla, 26 in Mandi, 10 in Kangra, two in Kullu, and one each in Kinnaur, Una, Sirmaur, and Lahaul and Spiti districts. Additionally, 43 power schemes have been disrupted, according to SEOC.

Himachal Pradesh recorded substantial rainfall, with Naina Devi receiving 90.8 mm, Malron at 80 mm, Berthin at 76.2 mm, and other regions also registering significant precipitation. Despite the heavy rains, the state has a rainfall deficit of 21 per cent since the monsoon onset on June 27, accumulating 532.1 mm against an average of 670.2 mm so far.

Officials disclosed grim statistics, noting 158 fatalities from rain-related incidents between June 27 and September 7, with 30 people still missing. Financial losses have reached an estimated Rs 1,305 crore. The causes of death ranged from falling from heights, drowning, and snake bites to cloudbursts, electrocution, and more.

(With inputs from agencies.)