On August 12, Shimla saw heavy rainfall that caused 316 roads and one national highway to close. An Orange warning for heavy to very heavy rain was issued by the Indian Meteorological Department for a number of areas through Thursday.
Shimla / Mandi / Kullu, Himachal Pradesh – August 12, 2025 — Heavy Downpour in Shimla,A severe monsoon spell continues to batter Himachal Pradesh, leaving Shimla shrouded in mist and prompting the closure of over 316 roads—including a key National Highway—as disaster teams scramble to keep residents safe. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts for critical districts including Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, Kullu, and Shimla, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall through mid-August.
Shimla Pounded, Visibility Severely Reduced
Shimla, the state capital, remains under a thick fog of continuous downpour, slashing visibility to just a few meters and stranding residents indoors. Rain intensity has disrupted daily life, with waterlogging and debris accumulation compounded by landslide risks.
The local IMD office reports very heavy rain at isolated places across Himachal, accompanied by persistent light to moderate showers statewide from August 11–14, and likely into mid-month.
Roads and Highways Wiped Out
According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), 316 roads are blocked as of Monday afternoon:
Mandi is the worst-affected, with 181 roads closed
Kullu follows with 85 closures
Kangra has 23 blocked
Sirmaur accounts for 11
Una and Shimla contribute a few more across the region
Hindustan TimesThe Times of India
A stretch of National Highway—specifically NH-305 at Jhed (Khanag)—is blocked due to a landslide. While some highways like the Chandigarh–Manali route remain open, travel remains highly unpredictable and dangerous.
Heavy Downpour in Shimla/ Heavy Downpour in Shimla/ Heavy Downpour in Shimla/ Heavy Downpour in Shimla
Heavy Rainfall Alerts Across Districts
The IMD has issued a string of orange warnings through August 14:
August 11–12: Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Solan are under yellow alert, while Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi are under orange alert.
August 13: Orange warning continues for Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur; yellow for expanding areas including Shimla.
August 14: More districts are in risk as an orange alert is still in effect for Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur.
Monsoon Toll: Lives Lost, Homes Damaged
Since the onset of monsoon (June 20), the state has endured:
- 219 people died as a result of accidents, landslides, and flash floods.
229 confirmed deaths as per latest updates by SEOC
37 people are still missing
The Times of India+2The Times of India+2
Infrastructure damage includes:
613 power transformers down (393 in Kullu alone)
Disruption to 520 water supply schemes (367 in Kullu)
Floods, cloudbursts, and landslides affecting thousands of homes
The Times of India+1
Human Impact: Evacuations and Despair
Nine homes in Tanipari village, Mandi district, had to be evacuated because of impending landslides. Residents have been moved to temporary shelter near the Electricity Board Colony, though essential provisions for livestock and food remain pending.
The Times of India
Two cars were destroyed by a landslide at Sirmaur on the Paonta Sahib–Shillai highway. Fortunately, both drivers escaped with minor injuries. The road was closed briefly to clear debris.
The Times of India
Economic and Infrastructural Fallout
The ongoing monsoon has inflicted severe economic losses across Himachal Pradesh:
Estimates peg the impact at nearly ₹2,000 crore in damage to infrastructure, crops, and public services
Over 500 water supply schemes and close to 600 transformers knocked offline
The Times of IndiaHindustan Times
With infrastructure choked by mudslides and flooding, recovery remains a daunting challenge for state administration.
Precautionary Measures & Official Response
Authorities have ramped up disaster response efforts with:
- NDRF, SDRF, and local teams are deployed for rescue and relief operations.
Roadblocks and diversion signage for vehicles in unstable zones
Evacuation and relief distribution in high-risk zones like Tanipari
Regular updates issued through official channels advising caution and avoidance of travel in unsafe zones
Travelers have been urged to monitor updates and postpone non-essential journeys to affected districts.
The Times of India
Comparisons with Past Disasters
The current crisis recalls devastating events in August 2023, when intense rainfall triggered massive flooding and landslides across Himachal and nearby regions:
At least 57 people died in Shimla alone, with roads and the famous Kalka–Shimla Railway destroyed
Total fatalities across North India exceeded 100, with infrastructure losses in the thousands of crores
Wikipedia+1
The 2025 monsoon, while still unfolding, appears equally menacing—prompting fears of a repeat disaster.
Outlook and Resilience
With another wave of heavy rain expected through August 14, residents and officials face heightened alert. Continued monitoring of orange and yellow warnings, swift response to road blockages, and timely evacuation will be vital. Progress on restoration of roads, utilities, and community support is critical in the weeks ahead.
External Link: Himachal Rains: Heavy Downpour in Shimla; 316 Roads and a National Highway Shut as IMD Issues Orange Alert
Read more international updates on our India News page.