Flash Flood Alert for Himachal: Tourists & Locals Advised Caution as IMD Flags Risk in 8 Districts
227 roads blocked, 174 water schemes disrupted, Mandi, Kullu, Sirmaur worst hit
SHIMLA, JULY 8:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a low to moderate flash flood warning for eight districts of Himachal Pradesh over the next 24 hours, citing possible inundation and surface runoff in low-lying areas and water-saturated soils.
The alert comes amid heavy monsoon activity that has already thrown public life out of gear in many parts of the state.
As per the Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin issued by IMD’s Hydromet Division in New Delhi at 2 PM today, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, and Una are under the scanner for potential flash floods till 11:30 AM on July 9.
Tourists & Locals Advised to Stay Alert
Tourists heading to hill spots or trekking routes in Kullu-Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, and Chamba are especially advised to check local weather and road updates before travelling.
Local authorities and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are on high alert and may issue route restrictions or evacuations if the situation worsens.
🚫 Roads, Power & Water Hit
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) bulletin released at 10 AM today:
227 roads are currently blocked across Himachal due to landslides and heavy rain-induced damages.
163 power supply transformers (DTRs) have been disrupted.
174 water supply schemes have gone offline, severely impacting rural households.
The worst-hit remains Mandi district mainly Seraj, with a staggering 153 roads blocked, 140 power transformers disrupted, and 158 water schemes damaged—all due to persistent rainfall since July 7. Sub-divisions like Seraj, Thalout, Gohar, and Dharampur have taken the brunt.
In Kullu, 21 roads are blocked including major routes in Banjar and Nirmand, while four DTRs are down. However, irrigation and sewerage services have reportedly been restored temporarily with emergency repairs.
⚡ Highlights from Other Districts:
Sirmaur: 34 road blockages reported across Nahan, Shillai, Sangrah, and Paonta Sahib.
Una: 6 roads closed but no major power or water disruptions.
Chamba: 1 road, 4 DTRs, and 16 water supply schemes affected.
Shimla, Hamirpur, Solan, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti: No major disruptions so far.
🛑 Maintenance Closures Too
In Una, certain roads are officially closed for scheduled maintenance till August 21, including stretches from June 14 to July 11, leading to confusion among tourists unfamiliar with the routes. Traffic is being diverted where needed.
What’s Next?
With fresh rainfall expected and the soil already saturated, even moderate showers can trigger flash floods or landslides.
The IMD has cautioned that inundation in low-lying areas is a real possibility, especially in districts with heavy disruptions like Mandi, Kullu, and Sirmaur.
Emergency Helpline (SEOC): 1070 (24x7 Active)
People are urged to report any blocked routes or stranded individuals immediately.
Local Travel Tips:
Avoid driving on hill roads after dark or during heavy rain.
Reconfirm bookings and accessibility before visiting remote tourist spots.
Don’t walk or drive through flowing water streams or nallahs.
For real-time alerts and route closures, follow:
📱 @IMDWeather | 🆘 @HPSDRF | 📞 SEOC 1070
#HimachalRainAlert #FlashFloodWarning #Mandi #Kullu #TravelSafeHimachal
