Heavy rains over the past few days have wreaked havoc across parts of Himachal Pradesh, severely disrupting road transportation after multiple landslides blocked over 70 roads across the hilly state. Incessant downpour since Sunday evening has triggered flash floods and landslides in several districts.
The worst hit seems to be the arterial National Highway 5 connecting Kinnaur to Shimla, which has been shut down near Nathpa village due to a massive landslide. Along with this, Transportation has been crippled in at least 11 districts with 31 roads blocked in Mandi alone and another 26 in Shimla district made non-operational due to falling debris and mudslides on the fragile mountainous terrains.
District administrations have launched relief and rescue operations but the remote conditions in areas like Kinnaur are proving challenging. As per officials, 84 power transformers and 51 drinking water schemes are also non-functional after the strong spells of rain. The meteorological department has added to the woes by issuing an ‘orange’ alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days.
While inclement weather is common in Himachal during monsoons, the widespread disruptions clearly demonstrate the vulnerabilities to extremities of climate. With more frequent extreme weather events likely in the future due to global warming, it has become imperative that state undertakes disaster mitigation projects on priority to minimize losses. Until long term solutions are found, people will have to bear the recurring troubles posed by the mountains every season.
