The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on July 14 issued an orange alert for Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts in Himachal Pradesh, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with alerts extending to Shimla and Solan the following day . The ongoing monsoon season has triggered widespread floods, landslides, and cloudbursts, severely disrupting infrastructure across the state.

As of today, 208 roads are closed, including 157 in Mandi district alone . Utility services remain critically affected - 745 water schemes and 139 power transformers are down, exacerbating hardship in remote areas.

Since June 20, the rains have claimed 98 lives and resulted in estimated losses exceeding ₹770 crore. The Chandigarh–Manali Highway - a major artery - reopened for one-way traffic after being blocked by a landslide near Pandoh.

State authorities have mobilized State Disaster Management, PWD, police, and rescue services, deploying drones, establishing road diversions, and opening shelters to assist stranded residents and travelers.

With rainfall expected to persist, officials urge residents to avoid travel in vulnerable zones and adhere strictly to safety advisories.