Shimla: Torrential monsoon rains battered several districts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, triggering widespread landslides that obstructed 26 roads and cut off remote communities across the Himalayan state.

Among the affected routes was the critical Pathankot-Mandi national highway, where a major section near Maigal suffered extensive damage. While emergency crews managed to restore traffic on the motorway after a seven-to-eight-hour closure, the downpour caused severe disruptions elsewhere. In Padhar, rising floodwaters inundated residential properties, whilst severe waterlogging isolated numerous households from surrounding areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert following the formal arrival of the monsoon, predicting intense meteorological activity across the region over the next five to seven days. Heavy downpours are projected to persist in the Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts, significantly escalating the threat of landslides, flash floods, and surging water levels in local rivers and streams.

Shobhit Katiyar, head of the IMD Himachal Pradesh Meteorological Centre, confirmed that widespread rainfall had been documented across virtually all districts over the preceding 24-hour period. While parts of Mandi and Hamirpur experienced heavy falls, Shimla and several adjacent regions registered moderate precipitation.

Katiyar said, "Monsoon will remain active in Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur for the next five to seven days. Heavy rain is likely at some places in these districts almost every day, while the remaining districts are also expected to receive moderate rain for the next four to five days."

Meteorological Warnings Issued

Forecasters anticipate that Sirmaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra will bear the brunt of the arriving weather systems. Authorities warned that sustained precipitation could trigger sudden earth movements, flash flooding, and dangerous swells in rivers and nullahs.

The relentless moisture is expected to create treacherous, slippery driving conditions and sharply reduce visibility on mountain passes. Furthermore, local agricultural and horticultural yields face potential damage from the unyielding elements.

"In view of the forecast, an advisory has been issued for Sirmaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi and Kangra districts. Although rainfall is expected to be mainly moderate in other districts, residents should still exercise caution," Katiyar noted.

Rainfall to Subside by Late July

The current spell of intense weather is projected to evolve as the month progresses. "Our forecast shows that after being active in the first week of July, monsoon activity will remain strong in both mid-hill and lower hill areas till around July 13-14," Katiyar stated.

During the subsequent week, spanning 16 July to 22 July, precipitation is forecast to remain steady across the mid-hill terrain but will likely begin to diminish across lower elevations.

A more pronounced stabilisation of the weather is anticipated towards the final week of the month, with monsoon activity expected to taper off statewide from 23 July onwards. Local officials and weather scientists have strongly urged residents, holidaymakers, and transit travellers to continuously monitor meteorological bulletins, avoid non-essential travel through high-risk terrain, and strictly adhere to guidance issued by emergency services.