Himachal Pradesh heavy rain: Schools closed, roads blocked, power cut as IMD issues fresh warning

Heavy rainfall continued to batter several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Friday, throwing normal life out of gear with schools shut, roads blocked, electricity disruptions and an increased threat of landslides. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that intense rainfall is likely to continue over the coming days, raising the risk of flash floods, falling trees and further transport disruptions.

The impact of the monsoon has been particularly severe in Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts, where rain-related incidents affected road connectivity, public services and educational institutions.

Schools closed as heavy rain raises safety concerns

As a precautionary measure, district administrations ordered the closure of all government and private schools as well as Anganwadi centres in Solan and Sirmaur on Friday after continuous rainfall increased the danger of landslides and road accidents.

Officials said the decision was taken to protect students, especially those travelling through hilly and rural routes that have become vulnerable due to waterlogging, slippery roads and falling debris. While students have been granted a holiday, teaching and non-teaching staff have been directed to report for duty.

Shimla road blocked after tree collapse

In Shimla, one of the city's important roads in the Banmore area near Chhota Shimla was temporarily cut off after a large tree collapsed following hours of relentless rain.

The fallen tree blocked access to nearby residential areas, including a locality housing the official residences of several ministers and legislators. The obstruction also left some vehicles, including those associated with the Chief Minister's convoy, unable to move until the road was cleared.

Public Works Department officials said restoration work began immediately, while electricity supply in the area was disconnected temporarily to ensure the safety of workers clearing the tree.

Residents said persistent rain has created anxiety, with fears that more trees could fall if the downpour continues.

Power supply affected, infrastructure hit

Heavy rain also affected essential services across parts of the state.

According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 75 roads had been closed across Himachal Pradesh by Thursday evening. In addition, 29 electricity distribution transformers were disrupted and five water supply schemes were affected due to the adverse weather.

In another rain-related incident in Shimla, a retaining wall collapsed near a building in the Vikasnagar area, damaging two parked vehicles. No casualties were reported.

Landslide and flash flood risk remains high

Weather officials have warned that saturated soil conditions could trigger landslides, flash floods, uprooting of trees and road cave-ins in several districts.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for multiple districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, gusty winds and localised flash flood threats over the next five days.

Rainfall is expected to remain particularly intense in Shimla and Sirmaur, while Solan is also likely to receive moderate to heavy showers. Moderate rain has been forecast for Kullu, Mandi, Kinnaur, Hamirpur and Chamba, with lighter rainfall expected over Kangra, Una, Bilaspur and Lahaul-Spiti.

The department has also predicted gusty winds of 30-40 kmph over high-altitude districts, including Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, until July 15.

Tourists continue visiting despite wet weather

Despite the weather-related disruptions, tourists continue to arrive in Shimla, drawn by the hill station's mist-covered mountains, lush green landscapes and cool temperatures following the monsoon showers.

While authorities have advised visitors to remain alert and avoid vulnerable locations during periods of heavy rain, tourist movement has largely continued, with many enjoying the city's refreshed surroundings.

Officials have appealed to both residents and visitors to monitor weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel to landslide-prone areas and follow advisories issued by local administrations as Himachal Pradesh braces for more rain in the coming days.