Heavy rains cripple life in Chamba; Roads blocked, villages cut off

Heavy rainfall on Tuesday triggered widespread disruption across Chamba district, cutting off several regions and forcing the administration to close all educational institutions.

The Bharmour-Pathankot highway remains blocked at multiple points from Katori Bangla on the Himachal-Punjab border. Several stretches of the highway between Janghi and Bharmour were washed away by landslides and flash floods during the heavy rains between August 24 and 26.

According to the Emergency Operation Cell of the District Disaster Management Authority, 239 roads across the district are currently closed due to landslides. Power outages have affected numerous remote villages, with over 207 electricity transformers damaged. Chamba town and its surrounding areas also experienced frequent power disruptions. Around 100 drinking water schemes have been impacted, resulting in a district-wide water crisis.

Roads leading to Tissa, Salooni and the Bhaderwah region of Jammu and Kashmir also remain closed due to landslides. Floodwaters entered homes in the Sultanpur locality of Chamba town, while landslides have been reported on several key routes.

The Ravi river and its tributaries are in spate, sparking panic among residents living along the banks. The situation is particularly alarming in the Chanju and Dehra panchayats of Churah subdivision, where road connectivity has remained cut off for the past 10 days and food supplies are running dangerously low. The suspension of mobile and internet services has further isolated the region.

Local farmers and orchardists are also facing heavy losses, as apple consignments worth lakhs of rupees are unable to reach the markets. Farmers have urged authorities to restore road connectivity immediately.

Electricity board employee electrocuted

An outsourced electricity board worker died on Monday evening after being electrocuted and falling from an electric pole while repairing lines near Bakani bridge. The deceased has been identified as 40-years-old Desh Raj.