Shimla | June 30, 2025: Himachal Pradesh is once again facing the wrath of an unforgiving monsoon, as relentless rainfall across the hilly state triggered landslides, flash floods, and infrastructure breakdowns in multiple regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert for 10 out of 12 districts on Sunday, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, possible landslides, and flash floods.
The worst-hit districts include Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Una, Kullu, and Chamba—all of which are on high alert until at least July 1, with continuing rainfall likely to exacerbate the situation.
Rail and Road Transport in Disarray
In a major disruption, services on the Shimla-Kalka heritage rail line were suspended on Sunday morning after boulders and fallen trees blocked the tracks near Koti area in Solan. The first scheduled train of the day remains stranded at Koti station, while other trains have been held back at Gumman and Kalka.
Road transport hasn’t fared any better. Landslides near Koti on the Shimla-Kalka national highway (NH-5) caused long traffic jams, stretching 2 to 3 kilometers. Though two-way traffic has been restored at Chakki Mod, the Jangeshu road—an alternate route—remains closed due to heavy debris, according to Solan SP Gaurav Singh. Authorities plan to divert traffic from Kasauli to Chandigarh through Jangeshu once clearance is complete.
Infrastructure Damage: Roads, Bridges, and Power Lines Affected
Widespread destruction has been reported from various parts of the state:
- A bridge near the Himuda Complex in Barotiwala (Solan) was washed away, cutting off access to Mandhala and Bagguwala areas.
- The Bald River in Baddi is swelling dangerously, submerging roads and low-lying areas. Reports confirm over 20 houses in Shivalik Nagar are waterlogged with up to four feet of floodwater.
- 129 roads are currently closed, mostly in Sirmaur (57) and Mandi (44) districts. These closures have severely disrupted mobility in rural and semi-urban pockets.
- 612 transformers have been rendered non-functional, impacting power supply across affected regions.
Rising Water Levels and Dam Spillage
Amid heavy rainfall, all five spillway gates of the Pandoh Dam were opened on Sunday morning. This release follows pre-monsoon flushing of the Larji Dam, causing a surge in the Beas River’s water level. Residents along the riverbanks have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid venturing near water bodies.
Flash Flood Threat Looms Over 10 Districts
The IMD has warned of moderate to high risk of flash floods in Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, and Una. The forecast has been extended through Monday, July 1, with an orange alert for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall active till July 5.
The department has advised residents and tourists to avoid travel in vulnerable areas, citing risks of sudden landslides, road collapse, and waterlogging. Hikers and adventure tourists have been specifically cautioned to suspend trekking plans in affected regions.
Reminders from 2023: A Grim Comparison
This year’s early monsoon rains have reignited painful memories of 2023, when catastrophic rainfall led to over 550 deaths during the July-August period. The unprecedented deluge back then brought towns like Shimla, Kullu, and Manali to a standstill, making it one of the worst natural disasters in Himachal’s recorded history.
So far this season, 20 lives have already been lost to rain-related incidents in just ten days since the monsoon arrived on June 20, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre. Additionally, four people remain missing, with search and rescue operations underway in difficult terrains.
Emergency Measures and Public Advisories
State disaster response teams, in coordination with local police and district administrations, have been deployed across the red-alert districts. Rescue and evacuation efforts are being prioritised in flood-prone and landslide-vulnerable zones.
Public advisory from the HP State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA):
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially during heavy downpours.
- Stay away from rivers, drains, and steep slopes.
- Follow official updates through IMD bulletins and local news.
- Keep emergency kits and essentials ready, especially in low-lying or remote villages.
The Road Ahead
With the monsoon just beginning, authorities fear that the situation may worsen if rainfall continues at the current pace. Tourists are advised to postpone non-essential visits, especially to regions like Shimla, Manali, Chamba, and Dalhousie, which are often hit hardest by landslides and cloudbursts.
The Himachal Pradesh government is closely monitoring developments and may impose additional restrictions or travel advisories in the coming days to ensure public safety.
Nature’s fury continues to test Himachal Pradesh’s resilience. With lives at stake, infrastructure battered, and the monsoon still in its early phase, timely action from the authorities and public cooperation will be crucial to weather this storm—literally and metaphorically.