What’s happening in Himachal now is severe: Himachal Pradesh landslides today dominate headlines as relentless monsoon deluges slam the state. Since June 20, the onset of monsoon, the region has witnessed persistent heavy to very heavy rainfall. That has triggered widespread landslides, flash floods, and sinking infrastructure across topographically vulnerable districts.
Mandi and Kullu bear the brunt of road blockages, with NH‑21 (Chandigarh–Manali), NH‑3 (Mandi–Dharampur), NH‑305 (Aut‑Sainj), and NH‑5 (Kinnaur) seeing multiple closures. As of August 6, authorities report over 446 roads blocked, including four national highways DD News+7Hindustan Times+7www.ndtv.com+7. That disruption reflects not just blocked asphalt, but deep distress in nearly every community.
Other districts like Shimla, Solan, Chamba, Una, and Kinnaur have also reported serious flooding, washed‑away bridges, school closures, and infrastructure damage. With rivers like Beas, Suketi Khad, Ribba, and others in spate, low‑lying areas are under water and dozens of villages face isolation, Hindustan Times+2The Economic Times+2.
What this really means is a state grappling with major disruption: nearly 194 deaths, over 400+ blocked roads, disruption to power, water schemes, and households flooded or damaged. Focused authorities are urgently issuing Himachal travel advisory notices, but the scale of devastation is large—communication, health, transport, and daily life all badly hit.
What Happened?
Here’s the timeline and details:
On August 6, more than five landslides struck the Chandigarh–Manali stretch (NH‑21) between Mandi and Kullu, notably near Dwada, 9‑Mile, Kainchi Mod, Jogni Mata Temple, and the Pandoh region www.ndtv.com+15Hindustan Times+15The Federal+15. Despite opening one lane temporarily, the highway was quickly blocked again by shooting stones and fresh slides, stranding hundreds of tourists and commuters for 12+ hours www.ndtv.com+1.
Across Himachal by August 6, over 446 roads were blocked, including four National Highways – NH‑21, NH‑3, NH‑305, and NH‑5—some due to direct landslides, others due to flash floods or cloudbursts in surrounding valleys The Times of India+15The Federal+15Hindustan Times+15.
The day before, 331 roads were blocked in Mandi, including two highways (NH‑21 and NH‑3) at Kainchi Mod and Jogindernagar route, plus a cascade of local link roads across Seraj, Dharampur, Karsog, Balh, etc. Restoration crews had cleared some earlier that morning only to have new slides close them again Hindustan Times+3The Indian Express+3The Tribune+3.
Kinnaur’s NH‑5 was blocked by flash floods on the Ribba rivulet; pilgrim bridges were washed away, and over 400 pilgrims were stranded until rescued by ITBP and NDRF using ziplines Hindustan TimesThe Federalwww.ndtv.com.
Meanwhile, in Shimla city, sharp slopes near Jakhu Temple experienced rockfalls, closing access roads. Schools were ordered shut in six subdivisions of Shimla (Chopal, Kumarsain, Rampur, Sunni, Jubbal, Theog) as precaution DD News+2The Economic Times+2.
Through this period, at least 16 landslides and 19 flash floods have been documented state‑wide in July and early August, many clustered in the monsoon’s peak in early July but continuing persistently now Indiatimes+7The Guardian+7www.ndtv.com+7.
Impact on Transportation
The transport disruption is astounding.
As of August 6, 446 roads remain blocked—including four key national highways The Times of India+15The Federal+15DD News+15. Earlier estimates cited over 400 roads blocked, with 236 water supply schemes and over 113 power transformers offline The Times of India+3www.ndtv.com+3DD News+3.
Roads closed in Himachal:
- NH‑21 (Chandigarh–Manali): blocked near Pandoh, Dwada, Kainchi Mod, Jogni Mata.
- NH‑3 (Mandi–Dharampur via Kotli): blocked at Kotli.
- NH‑305 (Aut‑Sainj): closed at Jhed (Khanag), though light vehicles permitted via Kandugad.
- NH‑5 (Kinnaur): blocked at Ribba/Nigulsari due to flash floods.
Additional highways like NH‑505 to Lahaul‑Spiti are cut off due to flooding or landslide washouts Wikipedia+9Hindustan Times+9Hindustan Times+9The Times of India.
Restoration is ongoing: 158 machines were deployed in Mandi PWD zone, reopening 73 of 270 blocked roads by evening—but relentless rain has nullified earlier gains Hindustan Times.
Traffic diversions
Authorities have shifted traffic to alternate routes—for example Mandi–Kamand–Bajaura–Kullu and Pandoh–Gohar–Chailchowk–Sundernagar, but only light vehicles are allowed. Heavy vehicles remain stranded at key choke points like NH‑21 closures The Times of India.
Stranded vehicles and delays
Tourists and truckers have spent up to 12‑24 hours stranded in their vehicles. NDTV video shows travellers forced to sleep inside cars after NH‑21 shut down completely for over half a day www.ndtv.com+1.
One traveler from Uttar Pradesh commented they had no choice but to wait, hoping clearance by afternoon “because nothing is bigger than life.” Others from Ambala recounted their journey being stopped at 7:30 pm when the highway collapsed again www.ndtv.com.
Affected Regions
The worst‑hit areas break down like this:
Mandi District
At least 331 roads blocked include national highways and scores of link roads across subdivisions Seraj, Karsog, Dharampur, Padhar, Jogindernagar, Balh and Gohar. Heavy flooding in Suketi Khad and Beas has submerged homes and markets, even at historic sites like Panchvaktra temple Wikipedia+15The Indian Express+15Wikipedia+15.
Death toll: 23 rain‑related deaths, plus 14 road accident fatalities in Mandi itself. Infrastructure damage estimated at ₹23 crore in roads, ₹31 crore in water department in just 24 hours Hindustan TimesThe Times of IndiaThe Indian Express.
Kullu District
About 89‑90 roads blocked; includes NH‑21 and NH‑305 closures. Danger in Anni, Banjar, Malana, and Gohar subdivision. A school in Baloo village damaged. Local residents even built temporary wooden bridge after one washed away The Times of India.
Kinnaur District
NH‑5 blocked at Ribba by flash floods. Bridge washouts, slippery trek paths, and the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra suspended as over 400 pilgrims rescued via zipline by ITBP and NDRF The Times of India+3The Federal+3www.ndtv.com+3.
Shimla & Solan
Rock falls near Jakhu temple blocked roads. Schools, colleges shut in subdivisions Chopal, Kumarsain, Rampur, Jubbal, Sunni, Theog. Parts of Solan and Shimla subdivisions closed educational institutions under a precautionary Himachal travel advisory The Times of India+6DD News+6The Economic Times+6.
Una, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra
Una district recorded 222 mm rainfall on August 1 — almost 1,850% above normal — flooding roads including the Dharamshala‑Chandigarh National Highway. Over 404 roads blocked in that event, and like power and water systems disrupted DD News+1.
Other regions like Chamba, Kangra, Sirmaur also reported heavy school closures and rain alerts. A cumulative death toll statewide has risen to 184, and damage assessed at nearly ₹1,715–1,850 crore overall by early August www.ndtv.comThe Times of IndiaHindustan Times.
Government & Rescue Operations
Officials from PWD, NHAI, BRO, SDMA/DDMA, police, ITBP and NDRF are working continually. In Mandi, 158 machinery units have been mobilized; 73 of 270 blocked roads reopened in a day, though conditions have rapidly reversed after fresh slides Hindustan Times.
In Kinnaur, the rescue of over 400 pilgrims stranded on the Kailash Yatra route involved ITBP and NDRF using ziplines from the Tangling drain to safety; bridges were washed away instantly during cloudbursts The Federal+1.
Authorities opened flood gates at Pandoh and Koldam dams, issuing downstream alerts for Himachal and Punjab regions. Local administration suspended the Yatra, canceled schooling in multiple subdivisions, and set up temporary safe shelters for stranded residents The Times of India.
New measures: Himachal Government is now working on an AI-based early warning system to detect potential landslide or flood threats and issue real-time evacuation alerts. This comes as part of strengthening disaster preparedness and improving scientific route planning with NHAI, against unplanned hill cutting during highway expansion The Times of India.
Emergency contact points include national helpline 112, plus local district disaster control rooms, police lines, and NDRF/ITBP coordination cells. Relief camps are operating in Kinnaur, Mandi and Kullu regions according to live assessments.
Restoration timelines remain fluid—many highways may not be cleared fully within 24–48 hours due to ongoing rains and unstable terrain. As local officials say, they are working “on war footing” to reopen single‑lane contra‑flow traffic even before full clearance Hindustan TimesDD News.
Weather Forecast
IMD has issued orange alerts for heavy to very heavy rain across Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur and parts of Kangra for the next 48–72 hours Indiatimes+5DD News+5The Economic Times+5.
Earlier in July, an extended 15‑day monsoon alert forecast predicted above‑normal rainfall across northern and central India including Himachal, warning of floods, landslides, thunderstorms and flash flooding risks The Times of India+8The Guardian+8Indiatimes+8.
The continuous precipitation keeps Himachal rain updates active. The state is under consistently high cloud‑burst and flood risk until the monsoon abates—likely mid‑August. Forecasted erratic storms across mountainous terrain mean landslide‑prone areas will remain vulnerable.
Local reports emphasize that low‑lying riverside zones, valley mouths like those in Thalout, Seraj, Suketi Khad basin, Ribba rivulet and Pandoh‑Gohar regions are still at risk. Officials expect water levels and unstable slopes to remain dangerous till more than 48 hours after rainfall stops.
Travelers should monitor both IMD bulletins and Himachal travel advisory issued via DDMA, as conditions can change rapidly.
Travel Advisory
Himachal travel advisory in force across the state:
- Avoid landslide‑prone areas in Himachal: especially on NH‑21 (Chandigarh–Manali), NH‑3, NH‑305, NH‑5, and local link roads in Mandi, Kullu, Kinnaur, Shimla, Solan. The Times of India.
- Road closed in Himachal warnings are real—do not attempt to drive those highways unless officially reopened.
- If travel is essential, check live road status via SDMA or local police updates before departure.
- For routes open to light vehicles only, heavy or commercial vehicles should delay travel or use pre‑approved alternate corridors.
- Stay in day‑time travel windows only, avoid risky mountain passes after dark or in worsening weather.
- Tourists: delay trips to Manali, Kullu, Kinnaur until clearance confirmed. Hotels and resorts are unaffected, but access may change rapidly.
- Truckers and local commuters: build buffer days, avoid overloaded schedules during monsoon. Be prepared for long delays.
Official advice emphasizes: Postpone non‑urgent travel. If already in the region, stay updated via IMD bulletins, local police, hotel or local authority communications.
Precautionary Measures
If you get stranded:
- Stay inside your vehicle unless there is immediate danger‑moving may expose you to falling rocks or flood waters.
- Avoid walking near slopes, loose gravel, or water‑churned banks.
- Carry emergency supplies—drinking water, snacks, warm clothes, torch.
- Keep phone charged; network may be intermittent—inform someone about your location.
- Use emergency helplines: call 112, local police or district control room.
- Follow directions from police or district administration rescue teams.
Locals and tourists alike should:
- Review weather updates every 6 hours.
- Register at safe shelters if stranded.
- Use caution at night—roads can degrade after dark.
- Avoid river banks, debris‑filled streams, or narrow gorges.
District authorities operate helpline centers and designated camps; check signage or ask a police post about nearest facility. NDRF/ITBP teams often set up mobile rescue camps in areas like Kinnaur,
9. Visuals / Media Embed
You can link to NDTV’s video:
- Multiple Landslides Block Mandi-Manali Route, Tourists Spend Night On Highway (NDTV) which shows real-time visuals of stranded vehicles and rescue attempts www.ndtv.com+1.
Also review:
- ITBP rescue footage on X (formerly Twitter) showing zipline evacuation of pilgrims.
- News sites like Hindustan Times and Tribune which publish photos of blocked highway stretches, flooded markets, and slope collapses in Mandi and Shimla.
Embedding such verified media helps illustrate the severity and gives readers situational clarity while supporting the narrative
Conclusion
Here’s the bottom line: Himachal Pradesh landslides today reflect an unfolding monsoon emergency. Over 446 roads, including four national highways, are blocked; areas like Mandi, Kullu, Kinnaur face ground‑zero impact—flash floods, landslides, washed‑away bridges, and disrupted livelihoods.
While rescue and restoration efforts are ongoing, with multiple agencies and AI early warning systems being deployed, the Himachal rain updates suggest more heavy rainfall ahead, keeping landslide‑prone areas in Himachal at elevated risk.
If you’re planning travel, heed the Himachal travel advisory—roads marked closed remain impassable, and alternate routes may only be open to light vehicles. Local commuters, truck drivers and tourists should delay unless necessary.
Stay informed via IMD alerts and SDMA/DDMA updates, keep emergency contacts ready, and above all—prioritize safety. Avoid risky terrain, do not attempt questionable stretches and stay away from swollen rivers or cliff edges.
FAQs
1. Which roads are currently closed in Himachal due to landslides?
Over 446 roads blocked statewide. Key closures include NH‑21 (Chandigarh–Manali) between Mandi and Kullu; NH‑3 (Mandi–Dharampur); NH‑305 (Aut–Sainj) at Jhed; and NH‑5 (Kinnaur) at Ribba. Many state and district roads remain impassable in Mandi, Kinnaur, Shimla, Solan and Una. The Sun+14The Federal+14The Times of India+14The Times of India+3The Tribune+3Wikipedia+3
2. Is it safe to travel to Himachal right now?
No. With major highways closed and landslide‑prone areas in Himachal unstable, travel poses serious risks. Only essential journeys should proceed—and only after checking real‑time status and advisories. Hindustan TimesDD NewsThe Times of India
3. What should tourists do if stranded due to landslides?
Stay in your vehicle if safe, avoid unstable slopes, call 112 or local emergency helplines, use supplies you have, and follow police guidance until rescue or a clearance lane is opened.
4. Which areas in Himachal are most affected by heavy rain?
Mandi and Kullu are the worst‑hit—especially Seraj, Balh, Thalout, Karsog, Gohar subdivisions. Kinnaur, Shimla, Solan and Una have also seen severe flash floods and landslides. The Indian ExpressThe Times of India
5. Who to contact in case of emergencies in Himachal?
Dial 112 for general emergencies. For local help, contact district control rooms (DDMA/SDMA), police stations, or NDRF/ITBP coordination centres in affected zones like Mandi, Kinnaur or Kullu.
For up-to-date Himachal rain updates, road‑status alerts, and official Himachal travel advisory, rely on IMD bulletins, SDMA/DDMA sources, and live reports from local authorities. Stay smart, stay safe.
