Flash floods struck parts of Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on Sunday, disrupting road connectivity along the busy Chandigarh-Manali National Highway.
Incidents were reported at Panarsa, Takoli and Nagwain areas on the Mandi-Kullu stretch of the highway, according to police. Several points were blocked, halting vehicular movement and causing heavy disruption.
“No loss of life has been reported so far,” said Sachin Hiremath, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mandi. Police personnel are deployed at all affected sites to monitor the situation, while restoration teams are working to clear the highway and restore traffic.
The state remains on alert as heavy monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc. According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), 261 people have died in the state between June 20 and August 16.
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Of these, 136 deaths were caused by rain-related incidents, including landslides, flash floods, drowning, electrocution and house collapses. Another 125 people were killed in road accidents.
Mandi has been among the worst-hit districts, reporting 26 rain-related deaths and extensive damage to public infrastructure. Kangra has recorded the highest toll at 28 deaths, including seven in landslides and six in flash floods. Other districts badly affected include Chamba, with 10 deaths, and Kullu, with 11.
The HPSDMA report estimates losses of ₹2,14,457 lakh to public and private property this monsoon. Roads, water supply schemes, agriculture, horticulture and electricity infrastructure have all been severely damaged.
The Public Works Department alone has reported losses of over ₹1.18 lakh crore, while combined agricultural and horticultural losses are estimated at ₹83,000 crore.
Road connectivity remains among the worst-hit sectors. Frequent blockages on major highways, including NH-05 in Kinnaur and NH-305 in Kullu, have left villages in interior areas cut off for days. The disruption has hampered rescue and relief operations.
The disaster report also recorded widespread damage to homes and livestock. A total of 278 houses have been fully destroyed, 288 partially damaged, and 703 cowsheds wiped out. More than 27,000 animals and birds have perished in rain-related incidents.
Officials said restoration of essential services, including roads, power and water supply, remains a top priority. But continuous rainfall and recurring landslides are slowing recovery work. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel and follow weather advisories.
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