Heavy Rains Paralyse Life in Himachal Pradesh; Schools Shut in 8 Districts, Houses Collapse in Kangra

Dharamshala, August 25, 2025: Heavy rains continuing for the past two days have thrown normal life out of gear in Himachal Pradesh. The state government has ordered the closure of all schools and colleges today (August 25) in eight districts — Una, Kangra, Chamba, Hamirpur, Solan, Kullu, Bilaspur, Lahaul-Spiti and Mandi.
According to the Meteorological Department, widespread rainfall continued across these districts till Monday afternoon. An orange alert was sounded for August 25. Rainfall is likely to persist in the state for the next four days. It has been raining continuously in Dharamsala and its surrounding areas for the past one week.  
In Dharamsala, incessant rain has lashed the region for nearly a week. A three-storey (unsafe declared )house in Sudhed area, on the outskirts of the city, collapsed last evening. In Indora (Kangra), several houses and farmland were submerged, forcing residents to flee.
Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said that the closure of educational institutions was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of schoolchildren. “All government and private schools, colleges, universities, technical institutions and Anganwadi centres will remain shut. However, residential institutions are exempt. Teaching and administrative staff must report to duty. Violators of the orders will face action under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005,” he clarified.
Roads Blocked, Houses Damaged
Continuous rainfall has triggered landslides and road blockages in several areas. The collapse of the main road in Ward No. 4 of Sudhed Panchayat has left nearly 60 families stranded. The embankment had been weakened earlier on August 7, but the situation worsened with the fresh spell of rain.
In Shahpur Assembly constituency, some sheep and goats were killed when a cattle shed collapsed in Dhar Chachot village of Sudhed Panchayat.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescued seven people from flood-hit areas of Indora, where water entered houses in Wards 2 and 3.
Threat to Connectivity
Landslides have severely disrupted road connectivity around Dharamsala. The ropeway to McLeodganj has been closed due to the risk of landslides. Khada Danda Road remains completely blocked, while the bypass to McLeodganj has been restricted for heavy vehicles. The Dharamsala–Gaggal road via Sakoh is being closed almost daily due to slides, and the Dharamsala–Pathankot highway is also at risk. Heavy landslides have been reported in Indrunag and Khaniyara hills.
Floodwater has entered several homes in Darnu and McLeodganj, while the collapse of the Supalli drinking water supply line has created a severe shortage of potable water in parts of Dharamsala
BJP MLA from Dharamsala Sudhir Sharma  said, "Due to heavy rainfall, damage has been caused at Karmu Mod, Jhikli Barol, Jadrangal, Barag, Dharamshala Bypass, dumping site, and a few other places in Dharamshala. I have given instructions for immediate relief. I request everyone to prioritize their safety. Every possible assistance will be provided."