SHIMLA, JULY 10: Relentless monsoon rains continued to batter Himachal Pradesh on Friday, triggering landslides, flash floods and road blockages across several districts, while rising inflows into major reservoirs prompted authorities to keep a close watch on river levels.
More than 240 roads across the state remained blocked due to landslides, and people have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
The situation turned critical in Kinnaur district, where the Lappa Khad overflowed and inundated the Lippa village bazaar, disrupting normal life and damaging shops and property. Local authorities are monitoring the situation as water levels remain high. JCB is deployed to clear muck after the level hit below the Lippa bridge.
In Shimla, a landslide near Auckland damaged several parked vehicles after debris and boulders crashed onto the roadside parking. The incident added to traffic disruptions already caused by continuous rainfall in the state capital.
In Lahaul and Spiti, the Udaipur-Jahalma road was blocked after fresh landslides, cutting off movement on the route. Restoration work has been initiated, but BRO authorities said reopening depends on improvement in weather conditions.
Amid rising river discharge, all five spillway gates of the Pandoh Dam in Mandi district have been opened to regulate the increasing inflow into the Beas River. People living along riverbanks have been advised to stay away from the river and avoid venturing near water bodies.
Data released by authorities showed a steady increase in inflows into the state's major reservoirs compared to Thursday. Kol Dam recorded inflows rising from 971 cumecs at 3 a.m. to 1,570 cumecs by 9 a.m.
Bhakra Dam inflows increased from 1,238 cumecs to a peak of 1,894 cumecs at 7 a.m., while Pandoh Dam inflows remained close to 900–975 cumecs during the morning hours, reflecting the impact of widespread rainfall in the catchment areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sirmaur district, heavy rainfall in Shimla and Solan, and moderate to heavy rainfall in Mandi, Kullu and Kinnaur districts during the day.
Authorities cautioned that the continuing rain could trigger waterlogging in low-lying areas, landslides, slippery roads, poor visibility, traffic congestion and temporary disruption of essential services.
The State Disaster Management Authority has urged residents to remain alert, avoid vulnerable locations and unnecessary travel, maintain a safe distance from rivers and streams, closely follow weather updates, and strictly adhere to advisories issued by the district administration and the state government as the monsoon continues to intensify across Himachal Pradesh.
