Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Traffic movement on the Shimla-Kinnaur National Highway-5 came to a standstill early Monday after a major landslide struck the road at Janogghat near Theog, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on either side.
The landslide occurred at around 5 am, bringing down two to three large deodar trees along with debris onto the highway. Authorities subsequently closed the stretch to traffic as efforts began to clear the obstruction.
The disruption has particularly affected vehicles carrying apples, with dozens of fruit-laden trucks reportedly stuck along the highway. Emergency vehicles have also been unable to cross the affected section, adding urgency to the road clearance operation.
Monsoon weakens, withdrawal still weeks away
The highway blockage comes as Himachal Pradesh enters a comparatively drier phase. According to Shobhit Katiyar, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, the southwest monsoon has weakened but its complete withdrawal from the state is still likely to take another two to three weeks.
The normal date for the monsoon to retreat from Himachal Pradesh is September 25.
Katiyar said widespread rainfall is unlikely during the next five to six days, with mostly clear weather expected across the state. The change in weather pattern could push temperatures upward by around 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Rainfall activity may pick up again around September 12, although the current forecast does not indicate any possibility of extremely heavy rain during that period.
Himachal records 9% rainfall deficit
Despite several spells of heavy rain during the season, Himachal Pradesh has recorded rainfall below its long-term average.
From June 1 to September 7, the state received around 588 mm of rainfall, against the normal figure of 648 mm for the period. This represents a deficit of approximately 9 per cent.
The rainfall pattern has varied considerably between districts. Shimla, Kullu and Sirmaur have received normal or above-normal rainfall, while most other districts remain below their respective averages.
Lahaul-Spiti and Hamirpur have recorded some of the largest rainfall deficits.
Monsoon-related losses cross ₹1,400 crore
The season has nevertheless left behind a substantial trail of destruction. Rain, landslides, floods and other weather-related incidents have caused an estimated ₹1,423 crore damage to public and private property across Himachal Pradesh.
As many as 123 houses have been completely destroyed, while another 490 houses have suffered partial damage.
Roads, bridges, drinking-water schemes and other public infrastructure have also been affected by the adverse weather.
283 people killed during monsoon season
The monsoon has also resulted in significant loss of life in the hill state. A total of 283 people have died in accidents and natural disasters recorded during the season so far.
Road accidents account for the largest share, with 169 fatalities. Landslides have claimed 18 lives, while one person died in a flash flood and 15 people lost their lives due to drowning.
Other deaths have been attributed to different accidents and natural causes reported during the monsoon period.
For now, the focus remains on restoring traffic along the Shimla-Kinnaur highway, particularly as the disruption has affected apple transportation and emergency movement. Meanwhile, the expected dry spell could bring some relief from landslide-triggering rainfall, even as temperatures are likely to climb over the coming days.
