Himachal's Kullu Shuts Schools, Orange Alert Issued for 3 Districts as Heavy Rains Lash State
The Kullu subdivision of Himachal Pradesh witnessed closure of all schools, colleges and other educational institutions on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) as heavy rains continued to batter the region. The decision was taken in view of a weather warning predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall that could trigger landslips, road blockages and flash floods.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jaibanti Thakur issued the notification in the morning after the Shimla Meteorological Office forecast intense rainfall. The weather office has also issued an 'orange alert' for heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur districts.
An orange alert indicates significant potential for disruption of normal life, including damage to roads, water supply and power infrastructure. Residents in these districts have been advised to remain cautious and avoid non-essential travel.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said that torrential rains have led to the closure of 259 roads across the state, disrupted 54 water supply schemes, and affected 161 transformers. The maximum impact was in Mandi district, where around 120 roads were closed, followed by Chamba (42), Kullu (40), Shimla (30), Sirmaur (15), Kangra (5), Una (4), Lahaul and Spiti (2) and Kinnaur (1).
Vehicular traffic on the Mandi-Manali stretch of the Kirathpur-Manali National Highway was suspended following a landslip near the Jhalogi tunnel in Mandi district. Officials said the road will be reopened only after the rain subsides and the situation normalises.
Rainfall recorded over the past 24 hours, since 4 p.m. on Monday (August 10), showed Bhattiyat receiving the highest at 95.2 mm, followed by Dharamshala (74.1 mm), Bajaura (67.5 mm), Palampur (66.4 mm), Jot (51 mm), Jogindernagar (50 mm), Pandoh (43.8 mm), Kangra (40.2 mm), Sujanpur Tira (38.2 mm), Sarahan (37.7 mm), Bhuntar (37.4 mm) and Nagrota Suriyan (37.2 mm).
Since the onset of the monsoon on June 30, the state has recorded 68 rain-related deaths, including 14 due to landslips and one in a flash flood. Officials pegged the total losses at Rs 886 crore. The weather department has predicted a wet spell lasting until August 17.
Local authorities have advised residents and travellers to exercise caution and avoid non-essential movement in vulnerable areas. Disaster response teams remain on standby. Himachal Pradesh, a hill state with fragile terrain, is prone to disruptions during the monsoon season, and this year's rains have been particularly intense.
