Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a severe crisis as torrential monsoon rains have triggered widespread flooding and landslides, with the Beas River swelling to dangerous levels. On July 1, 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for 10 districts, including Mandi, Shimla, Kangra, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, Una, Kullu, and Chamba, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and heightened risks of flash floods and landslides. Here’s a clear and concise look at the situation, its impacts, and what it means for residents.
Why Is This Happening?
The relentless downpour is driven by a combination of a strong monsoon trough and a western disturbance, causing intense rainfall across northern India. In the past 24 hours, areas like Palampur (76 mm), Banjar (75 mm), and Sirmaur (55 mm) have recorded significant precipitation. The Beas River, fed by these rains and runoff from upper catchment areas, has surged, inundating low-lying areas and threatening infrastructure. Climate experts also point to erratic weather patterns and unregulated construction in the fragile Himalayan region as factors amplifying the disaster.
The Beas River Crisis
The Beas River, particularly in Mandi district, is at the heart of the crisis:
- Severe Flooding: The river is flowing above danger levels, with water levels in some areas, like Dharampur, rising nearly 20 feet above normal. Floodwaters have inundated markets, bus stands, and homes in Karsog, Dharampur, Pandoh, and Thunag.
- Dam Releases: Authorities have opened all five spillway gates of the Pandoh Dam, releasing over 1.5 lakh cusecs of water to manage rising levels, which has further swollen the Beas. The Larji Dam also underwent pre-monsoon flushing, increasing silt and water flow.
- Loss of Life and Property: In Mandi’s Syanj area, a cloudburst triggered a flash flood, washing away a house and leaving seven people missing. One death has been reported in Karsog due to a cloudburst, with rescue operations ongoing.
Widespread Impact Across Himachal
The heavy rains have caused chaos across the state:
- Road Closures: Over 250 roads, including the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, are blocked due to landslides and flooding, severely disrupting travel and connectivity.
- Infrastructure Damage: More than 600 power transformers and 130 water supply schemes are non-functional, affecting electricity and water access in Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kullu. In Baddi, the Bald River’s flooding damaged over 20 homes.
- Loss of Lives: Since the monsoon’s onset on June 27, at least 23 rain-related deaths have been reported, with 16 people missing and 99 rescued as of July 1.
- School Closures: Schools in Kangra, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur, Manali, and Banjar are closed to ensure student safety amid the red alert.
What’s Being Done?
- Rescue and Relief: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are conducting search and rescue operations, with 12 people saved in Mandi’s Raghunath Ka Pahad. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed district magistrates to remain on 24/7 alert and deployed six helicopters for rescue efforts.
- Public Advisories: Authorities are urging residents to avoid rivers, streams, and hilly areas due to landslide risks. The IMD has advised staying indoors and following local updates.
- Monitoring: The State Emergency Operation Centre is tracking river levels and infrastructure damage, while police and SDRF teams are ensuring public safety.
What Should Residents Do?
- Stay Safe: Avoid rivers, streams, and low-lying areas. Do not travel through hilly or flood-prone zones until conditions stabilize.
- Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates from the IMD and local authorities. A brief respite was expected on June 28, but intense rains resumed on June 29 and 30, with more expected until July 6.
- Prepare for Disruptions: Expect power outages, water shortages, and road closures. Keep emergency supplies ready and follow evacuation orders if issued.
Looking Ahead
The IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh until July 6, with risks of further flooding and landslides. The state’s fragile ecology, combined with climate change and human activities like unplanned construction, is making such disasters more frequent and severe. Experts urge rethinking infrastructure policies to protect the Himalayan region.
For now, Himachal Pradesh remains on high alert, with the Beas River’s fury serving as a stark reminder of nature’s power. Residents should prioritize safety, stay updated, and cooperate with authorities to navigate this crisis.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 10:35 pm by Sri Hari Priya Rayaprolu | Published by: Sri Hari Priya Rayaprolu on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 10:35 pm | News Categories: News, India, Latest
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