Himachal Pradesh is facing severe disruption as heavy rains continue to batter the hill state, claiming 17 lives so far and throwing normal life out of gear. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a red alert across the state, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in the coming days.

According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), 259 roads are currently blocked, along with 614 power distribution transformers (DTRs) and 130 water supply schemes affected due to incessant rainfall over the past 24 hours. “The monsoon is intensifying its grip, and the impact is visible across multiple districts. Roads, power lines, and water systems are all severely affected,” an official from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) was quoted as saying by ANI.

Mandi district is reported to be the worst hit. News agency ANI reported that Mandi alone saw 139 blocked roads and disruptions to 314 power transformers, with maximum damage reported from Gohar (199 transformers), Mandi II (79), and J Nagar (18). Additionally, the Beas River in Mandi is flowing above the danger mark, raising fears of flooding in low-lying areas.

In a tragic incident, one person was killed due to a cloudburst in Mandi’s Kasong area, while seven people are missing after a house was washed away by flash floods in Syanj, reported News18.

The situation is no better in other districts. The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has also been affected, with reports of traffic disruption and landslides. In Sirmaur, 92 water supply schemes have been disrupted, including 19 in Nohradhar and 16 in Pachhad. Kullu reported 20 blocked roads and 47 water supply schemes hit, mainly in Kullu, Largi, and Anni sub-divisions. In Lahaul and Spiti, Spiti alone saw 139 DTRs disrupted, the highest single-point impact in the state.

Amidst the chaos, authorities have advised residents to remain indoors and avoid non-essential travel, particularly in vulnerable hilly and landslide-prone regions.