The relentless spell of monsoon fury continues to batter Himachal Pradesh, with fresh reports of cloudbursts and heavy rainfall causing severe damage in the hill state. In a particularly alarming incident in Kinnaur district, a bridge over the Tanglig drain was swept away by surging waters, triggering disruption in local connectivity and travel. The National Highway-35, a vital arterial route in the region, has been shut down near Nigulsari due to intense downpours and the accompanying landslides, leaving commuters stranded and triggering emergency alerts from local authorities.
Elsewhere, the Chandigarh-Shimla National Highway — one of the state’s busiest transport routes — has also been rendered impassable following massive landslides at Chakki Mor near Parwanoo in Solan district. Tonnes of debris tumbled down onto the highway, blocking vehicular movement and prompting road clearance operations under treacherous weather conditions. Authorities have urged people to avoid non-essential travel and remain updated through official channels as more rain is expected in the coming hours.
The back-to-back natural events underscore the increasing fragility of Himalayan terrains in the face of extreme weather. Cloudbursts, often regarded as one of the most destructive monsoon phenomena in the Indian Himalayas, unleash sudden and intense rainfall over a limited area, leading to flash floods, landslides, and massive structural damage. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a cloudburst as a weather event where rainfall exceeds 100 millimetres per hour across an area of 20 to 30 square kilometres, usually accompanied by strong winds and lightning.
Such meteorological episodes often occur without sufficient warning, leaving local populations vulnerable and emergency services scrambling to respond. The hilly geography of Himachal Pradesh makes it particularly susceptible, where steep slopes and loose soil structures contribute to rapid runoff and landslide formation.
The IMD continues to monitor weather developments across the state, issuing advisories and coordinating with disaster management agencies. District administrations in Kinnaur, Solan, and Shimla have been put on high alert as heavy rains are forecast to continue, raising concerns over further landslides and flash floods in the coming days.
Meanwhile, road-clearing operations are underway at Chakki Mor and Nigulsari, but progress remains slow due to intermittent rainfall and the risk of further debris fall. Emergency crews, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and state engineers, are on-site working to restore connectivity and safety for travelers and residents alike.
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