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Shimla, August 5 – Himachal Pradesh remains in deep crisis as relentless monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc, pushing the death toll to 173, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Out of the total fatalities, 95 deaths were caused by landslides, flash floods, and collapsing homes. In comparison, 78 deaths resulted from road accidents—many linked to slippery surfaces, poor visibility, and falling debris. The disaster has disrupted 383 roads, rendered 747 power distribution transformers inoperative, and affected 249 water supply schemes, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).

Districts Worst Hit

The most severely affected districts include Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, and Una, where large-scale landslides and flash floods have ravaged infrastructure. Interior villages remain inaccessible, delaying relief and repair work.

Key mountain highways—NH-305, NH-505, NH-21, and NH-03—are blocked by landslide debris. In Lahaul-Spiti, NH-505 has been shut near Chhatru, while NH-305 at Jhed (Khanag) in Kullu remains closed, cutting off entire valleys for a second consecutive day.

Hydropower Projects Under Strain

Adding to the crisis, a cofferdam collapse at the Malana-I hydroelectric project in Kullu’s Parvati Valley triggered a surge of water that swept away heavy machinery downstream. Officials linked the failure to debris-choked drainage pipes. The project had already been hit by flash floods last year.

Multiple dams, including Bajoli Holi and Baira in the Ravi basin and the Sainj and Largi barrages on the Beas, are on high alert and have suspended power generation due to excessive silt levels. Malana-II continues to remain shut, with gates kept open to ease pressure. Officials, however, assured that reservoir levels stay within permissible limits. In the Una district, more than 222 mm of rain overnight inundated homes, markets, and roads. Schools have been shut and residents warned to stay away from swollen rivers and rivulets.

Relief & Recovery Efforts

Engineers and disaster management teams have restored some sewerage and irrigation systems, but officials warned that “full normality may be days away” as forecasts indicate more rain. Heavy machinery is being deployed to clear debris, reopen blocked roads, and relocate stranded villagers. A senior SDMA official said, “Each fresh cloudburst risks setting recovery efforts back to zero. Our teams are working around the clock, but with unstable slopes and saturated soil, the danger is far from over.”

Death Toll: 173

• 95 due to landslides, flash floods, and house collapses
• 78 in road accidents

Infrastructure Damage:

• 383 roads blocked (NH-305, NH-505, NH-21, NH-03 among key closures)
• 747 power transformers out of service
• 249 water supply schemes disrupted

Districts Worst Affected:

• Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Una, Lahaul-Spiti

Hydropower Impact:

• Malana-I cofferdam collapse; heavy machinery swept away
• Bajoli Holi, Baira, Sainj, and Largi barrages suspend power generation due to silt
• Malana-II shut, gates kept open for safety

Weather Forecast:

• More rain expected; alert for landslides and flash floods continues