"We will plan movement of transport" Mandi DC on landslide damage in Himachal

Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 17 (ANI): Multiple flash floods and landslides have disrupted traffic and caused extensive damage to public and private property in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, officials said on Sunday.
Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan said, "There have been a lot of landslides due to heavy rain. A lot of damage has been done to both public and private properties. We will plan the movement of the transports; this will be our target for today."
Flash floods were reported at Panarsa, Takoli, and Nagwain along the Mandi-Kullu stretch of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, blocking connectivity at several points and causing major disruption to vehicular movement. No human casualties have been reported so far, according to Sachin Hiremath, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mandi. Police personnel are maintaining strict vigil at affected sites, while restoration work is underway to reopen the route.
Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under heavy monsoon rains. According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), the state has recorded 261 deaths between June 20 and August 16, 2025. Of these, 136 were caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, floods, flash floods, drowning, electrocution, and house collapses, while 125 lives were lost in road accidents. Mandi district has been particularly affected, reporting 26 rain-related deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure. Other severely hit districts include Kangra (28 deaths), Chamba (10), and Kullu (11).
The HPSDMA report highlights damage worth Rs 2,14,457 lakh to public and private property. Roads, water supply schemes, agriculture, horticulture, and electricity infrastructure have suffered heavily. The Public Works Department alone reported losses exceeding Rs 1.18 lakh crore, while combined agricultural and horticultural losses are estimated at over Rs 83,000 crore. Road connectivity remains one of the worst-hit sectors, with frequent blockages on NH-05 (Kinnaur) and NH-305 (Kullu), leaving several interior villages cut off and delaying rescue and relief operations.
Homes and livestock have also suffered, with 278 houses fully damaged, 288 partially damaged, 703 cowsheds destroyed, and over 27,000 animals and birds lost. Authorities said restoring essential services--roads, power, and water supply--remains a top priority, but continuous rainfall and recurring landslides are slowing the process. Residents have been advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow weather advisories. (ANI)