Himachal Pradesh monsoon alerts trigger road closures and 24‑hour disaster helplines

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for heavy to very heavy rain across several districts of Himachal Pradesh, including Kangra, Una, Sirmaur, Chamba, Mandi and Shimla. The intensified monsoon has caused flash floods that blocked key roads such as the Chamba‑Tissa road in Chamba district, the Larji‑Sainj road in Kullu district and a stretch of National Highway‑5 near Cholling in Kinnaur. No casualties have been reported, but traffic disruptions and water‑logging are ongoing.

The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has activated round‑the‑clock disaster helplines (1070 statewide and 1077 at the district level) and issued safety advisories for residents and tourists. Authorities urged people to monitor weather updates, avoid vulnerable areas, carry first‑aid and emergency kits, and follow traffic advisories. State officials, including Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, have directed district administrations to remain vigilant, deploying SDRF and NDRF units to high‑risk locations and ensuring disaster‑response systems are ready as the monsoon progresses.