Relentless rains cripple life in Palampur and Baijnath

Unprecedented rainfall over the past 72 hours has thrown life out of gear in the Palampur, Baijnath and Jaisinghpur regions of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district. Continuous heavy rains have triggered widespread landslides and flash floods, blocking major highways and isolating several villages.

The Pathankot-Mandi, Kangra-Shimla and Palampur-Hamirpur highways remain closed at multiple locations. The Palampur-Kangra-Una route is blocked near Purana Kangra, while the Palampur-Mandi-Manali stretch has also been rendered impassable. Landslides near Alampur and Thural have forced the closure of the Palampur-Hamirpur highway.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed heavy machinery to clear debris and restore connectivity. Meanwhile, authorities have banned vehicle movement over the Sujanpur Bridge, with the Beas River flowing dangerously above the danger mark. The bridge surface is submerged under a foot of water, mixed with mud and debris.

Tourism has taken a hit as the road between Bir and Barot is shut, and tourist access to Billing, Rajgundha, and Barot has been restricted. Access to Chhota Bhangal’s interior villages has also been suspended.

Several kutcha houses have collapsed and drinking water supply schemes in the region have suffered massive damage, leaving many areas without water. Power outages persist due to uprooted trees and damaged lines. Local rivers and rivulets continue to swell above danger levels.

Palampur SDM Netra Meti confirmed no loss of life so far. She reported the collapse of several cowsheds and disbursed Rs 5 lakh in immediate relief. A 24/7 control room has been set up, and restoration work is ongoing despite persistent rains. Main highways have been partially restored, and efforts are underway to reopen rural roads.