Monsoon – Floods and Landslides Disrupt Roads in Himachal and Gujarat
Monsoon – Heavy monsoon rain caused flash floods and landslides in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat on Friday, damaging roads, disrupting travel and prompting rescue and restoration operations. Authorities said no deaths were reported in the Himachal incidents, while two workers died in Gujarat during drain-clearing work.
Road Damage Reported in Kinnaur
In Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, strong water flow carrying mud and debris affected several road stretches. The Hindustan-Tibet Road, also known as National Highway 5, was blocked near Cholling after runoff and debris accumulated on the route.
The Ribba-Kande link road also suffered damage after portions of the road were washed away. Several vehicles were affected during the incident, according to officials. However, no casualties were reported from the district.
Restoration Work Begins on NH-5
A JCB machine was deployed at Cholling soon after the road blockage was reported. Workers cleared debris from the highway, allowing traffic to resume later in the day.
The State Emergency Operations Centre said that 49 roads remained closed across Himachal Pradesh due to rain-related damage. Kullu accounted for 30 of the affected roads, followed by Chamba with 10 closures. Three roads were closed in Sirmaur, while Mandi, Una, and Lahaul and Spiti reported two closures each.
Pilgrims Rescued in Chamba
Rescue teams also evacuated 24 pilgrims who had been stranded near a temple in Chamba district. Officials said the group was brought to safety after rain and difficult terrain affected access to the area.
Authorities have advised residents and travellers in vulnerable mountain regions to remain cautious, particularly along routes prone to landslides and flash flooding during the monsoon season.
Gujarat Records Widespread Heavy Rain
In Gujarat, intense rainfall affected large parts of the state and led to flooding in several urban and rural areas. Rain was reported in 172 talukas during the previous 24 hours, with Mangrol in Junagadh district recording the highest rainfall at around 13 inches.
Kadi in Mehsana district was among the most affected locations. The town received nearly nine inches of rain in about two hours before dawn, leading to waterlogging in more than 25 residential societies. Valsad also experienced significant disruption after receiving more than six inches of rainfall.
Workers Die During Drain-Clearing Operation
Two labourers died in Valod village of Tapi district after entering a drain to remove tree branches lodged inside it. The branches had reportedly blocked water flow during heavy discharge, raising concerns about a possible embankment breach.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks faced by workers involved in emergency drainage and flood-control operations during periods of intense rain.
Surat Administration Remains on Alert
Surat district received 228 mm of rain, adding pressure on drainage systems and local authorities. District Collector Tejas Parmar said no dam or reservoir had reached a danger level and that there was no flood-like situation at present.
He added that the district administration remained on alert and was monitoring rainfall, water levels, and conditions in vulnerable areas. Emergency teams have been asked to stay prepared as monsoon activity continues across the region.