Himachal Rain Fury: 4 Killed, 49 Roads Closed; Orange Alert Till July 5

Himachal Pradesh is facing severe disruption as heavy monsoon rains continue to lash the state, claiming four lives and triggering landslides in several districts. The victims, including two women, died in separate incidents reported from Shimla, Kangra, Lahaul and Spiti, and Chamba. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places until July 5. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious as the wet spell is expected to continue.

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Heavy Rain Disrupts Transport Across Himachal

Heavy rainfall caused a massive landslide near Choling in Kinnaur district early Friday, blocking National Highway-5 (NH-5), also known as the Hindustan-Tibet Road. The landslide occurred near Merut Nallah and trapped two vehicles under debris. Flash floods also caused the Ribba drain to overflow, forcing officials to close the Ribba-Kanda link road. Rescue teams and road-clearing machinery have been deployed to restore connectivity in the affected areas.

The monsoon has severely affected infrastructure across the state. Officials reported that 49 roads remain closed due to landslides and rain-related damage, while faults in 42 power transformers have disrupted electricity supply in several areas. On Thursday, higher-altitude regions, including Rohtang, Baralacha, and Shinkula passes, also received light snowfall. Despite the widespread damage, the rainfall has provided much-needed moisture for farmers preparing to sow paddy and maize crops.

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IMD Warns of More Rain Until July 5

The State Disaster Management Department stated that nine people have died from different causes since the monsoon arrived in Himachal Pradesh. Four victims died after falling from heights, one person drowned, another died from electrocution, and three others lost their lives in separate incidents. The department also reported damage to seven mud houses. In Chamba district, overflowing water from the Siunr drain washed away nearly 60 feet of the Holi-Siunr-Greema road, cutting off vehicular movement.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for parts of Kangra and Mandi districts, while Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Una remain under a yellow alert. The weather department said rainfall and snowfall over higher elevations have caused noticeable fluctuations in temperatures across the state. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged people to avoid landslide-prone areas and travel only when necessary until weather conditions improve.

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