Himachal: 564 Roads Blocked, 525 Power Distribution Transformers Disrupted

Heavy rainfall and associated landslides have significantly disrupted essential services across Himachal Pradesh, with the State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) reporting a total of 564 roads blocked, 525 power distribution transformers (DTRs) disrupted, and 281 water supply schemes affected as of September 18, 2025.

The cumulative death toll since the start of the monsoon season has reached 419. Of these, 237 people have died in rain-related incidents such as landslides and flash floods, while 182 deaths were a result of road accidents. The state has declared itself a disaster-affected state under the Disaster Management Act due to the extensive damage.

A total of 564 roads, including two National Highways, NH-03 and NH-503A, are currently blocked. The worst-affected districts for road closures include Kullu with 155 roads blocked, Mandi with 203, and Shimla with 50.

The continuous rain has led to 525 DTRs being disrupted, with the majority of outages reported in the Mandi district (327). Other significantly impacted districts include Kullu (23) and Kangra (34).

There are 281 water supply schemes that have been disrupted across the state. The Mandi district is also the most affected in this category, with 180 schemes disrupted. Other districts with significant water supply disruptions include Shimla (38) and Chamba (20).

Meanwhile, according to Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 237 people have died in various rain-related incidents, while an additional 182 deaths have been attributed to road accidents during the monsoon season.

The monsoon has caused widespread destruction to both private and public property. The cumulative loss to public property is estimated at Rs 4,59,536.54 Lakhs. The report details significant losses to key infrastructure, including losses to PWD (Public Works Department) reported at Rs 1,41,387.8 Lakhs.

Loss to Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV) is at Rs 13,946.69 Lakhs. Loss to the Power Department is Rs 2,045.05 Lakhs. Damage to houses is also severe, with 583 pucca houses and 1676 kutcha houses partially damaged, while 934 pucca houses and 2150 kutcha houses were fully destroyed. (ANI)