Hundreds of roads were blocked and the supply of electricity and water was disrupted as heavy rains wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday.
Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Lahaul-Spiti were among the hardest hit districts as the state witnessed massive downpour over the last 48 hours.
State Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi said that the monsoon 2025 has become “very active” over the past 24 hours with heavy rains causing significant damage to the state’s infrastructure. “There has been a lot of rain in the state, and there has been a lot of damage as well. The electricity supply has been disrupted, drinking water schemes have been disrupted, people’s lands have been damaged,” Negi said.
As per the official figures, over 600 roads, including three national highways, were blocked while more than 1,500 electricity distribution transformers developed faults. Moreover, around 162 water supply schemes were also affected due to heavy rains.
| Drone footage shows the #BeasRiver with rising water levels following continuous rainfall. The #IMD has issued a Red Alert for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts for the next two days. #RedAlert #HimachalPradesh #TheStatesman pic.x.com/D0QJ1VrLyX
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) August 26, 2025
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for several areas until August 27. The state government has instructed all district administrations to remain alert and be prepared for any eventuality.
Relief and rescue teams are also on stand-by while local administration has been given the authority to announce closure of schools and other institutions as per the situation.
Earlier on Monday, Negi confirmed that as many as 303 people have lost their lives so far. While about 155 people died due to rain-related incidents, around 148 were killed in road accidents.