The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered the closure of all schools and colleges on Monday amid heavy rainfall in the state.
Heavy rains have led to flood-like situation at some places and have led to the closure of hundreds of roads. The government has also advised against all non-essential travel in the state.
Incessant rains over the past 48 hours have led to major disruptions in Hamirpur district. Besides Hamirpur, landslides have occurred at several places that have disrupted the supplies of essential goods as well.
The Beas river and its major tributaries are also in spate and people have been advised not to get close to the river or associated streams.
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Here we share all the latest updates related to Himachal Pradesh rains.
All schools, colleges closed tomorrow
The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered the closure of all schools and colleges across the state on Monday in light of adverse weather conditions.
"Keeping in view the incessant rains in the whole of Himachal Pradesh and considering the safety and considering the safety and security of students, the Government of Himachal Pradesh orders to keep all schools and colleges (government as well as private) closed on dated 14th August 2023," says the order from Himachal's Department of Education.
Over 400 roads closed, all non-essential travel discouraged
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More than 400 roads have been closed across Himachal Pradesh because of rain-related incidents and the government has advised against all non-essential travel.
A total of 452 roads have been closed and, in the past 24 hours, landslides and uprooting of trees have damaged houses and vehicles.
"A total of 452 roads, including a maximum of 236 in Mandi, 59 in Shimla and 40 in Bilaspur district are now closed for vehicular traffic, according to the state emergency operation centre," reported PTI, adding that 150 roads have been closed in the past 24 hours alone.
Himachal Police tweeted that Shimla-Chandigarh, Shimla-Dharamshala, and Manali-Chandigarh stretches of the National Highway are blocked.
The police said alternate routes are being maintained for emergencies and people are advised against all non-essential travel.
"Alternate routes are being maintained for emergencies but many are getting shut due to incessant rain...Avoid all types of non essential movements. Be vigilant and be safe," said Himachal Pradesh Police on Twitter.
Many heavy vehicles got stranded on both sides of the road at Chakki Mor near Koti on the Shimla-Kalka National Highway connecting Shimla and Chandigarh from landslides, reported PTI, adding that small vehicles are being diverted through alternate routes.
"This road stretch got blocked on August 2 due to a major landslide in which 50 metres of the road caved in. The road was reopened on August 8 but continued slides are making commute difficult," reported PTI.
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Recent rain-related incidents in Himachal
A string of rain-related incidents have occurred lately in Himachal Pradesh, including in the state capital Shimla.
Three vehicles parked on the roadside were damaged following a landslide at Dudhli in the suburbs of Shimla, reported PTI, adding that a landslide also occurred near St. Edwards School. Separately, uprooted trees blocked the road for some time near 103 Tunnel.
The delivery of essentials such as milk, newspapers, and edibles in Shimla and in upper Shimla areas has been erratic over the past few days because of rain-related disruptions.
Three houses, cow sheds, and vehicles were damaged near Dagsech in the Namhol area of Bilaspur district following a landslide on the Shimla–Mataur road, reported PTI.
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Reports of damage to houses and agricultural land are also pouring in from several places in the Mandi district, including Chatru Panchayat in the Balh area and Lot and Dhishit panchayats in the Gohar area, reported PTI. Visuals shared by media organisations show flood-like situation in Mandi.
Incessant rains for the last 48 hours have caused havoc in all parts of the Hamirpur district, leading to a spate in the Beas river and its tributaries, reported PTI.
From the beginning of the monsoon season in Himachal on June 14 to August 12, a total of 255 persons have died in rain-related incidents and the state has incurred damages worth Rs 6,807.
