India: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing across parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states as of Aug. 14

Event

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states in northern India as of Aug. 14. Heavy rainfall associated with the current monsoon season has led to many rivers in the affected areas reaching dangerously high levels. Rainfall totals of more than 25 cm (10 inches) were recorded across parts of the affected area early Aug. 13-14, with further rainfall totals of more than 20 cm (8 inches) forecast Aug. 14. The intense downpours have triggered widespread flooding in parts of the region and landslides on unstable slopes.

Authorities in Himachal Pradesh have reported at least 21 fatalities across the state due to flooding and landslides Aug. 14. Nine fatalities have been reported following a landslide in the Summer Hill area of Shimla; response operations are ongoing and dozens of others are missing after the landslide struck a temple. At least seven others were killed following intense downpours in the Solan area. Flash flooding in Mandi District also resulted in five other fatalities. More than 750 roads across Himachal Pradesh have been made impassable by floodwaters and debris from landslides. Schools and colleges have been closed across the state Aug. 14.

In Uttarakhand, a defence college building in the Maldevta area of Dehradun collapsed following heavy rainfall. More than 1,000 homes across the state have been damaged and several highways across the state are blocked due to landslides. The Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage has been suspended for two days due to the adverse weather.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and lightning warnings across both Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand Aug. 14. Orange warnings are in place for Uttarakhand Aug. 15 and yellow warnings for Himachal Pradesh Aug. 15-18 and Uttarakhand Aug. 16-18. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

India Meteorological Department