Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the impact of the ongoing monsoon season, with 524 roads, including two national highways, blocked, 1,230 electricity distribution transformers disrupted, and 416 water supply schemes rendered non-functional as of Thursday evening, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

Rescue and relief operations remain in full swing, especially in Chamba district, where 7,000-8,000 pilgrims undertaking the Manimahesh Yatra were stranded earlier this week. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said more than 3,000 pilgrims had been rescued so far, with four helicopters stationed in Chamba and others deployed in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti for emergency evacuations. "The situation is under control. People should not panic or believe in rumours," he said, cautioning that helicopter sorties depend on weather conditions.

Himachal Pradesh has suffered 312 deaths since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, with 160 fatalities linked to rain-related disasters such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, electrocution, and other weather-triggered incidents, and 152 deaths in road accidents, according to the SDMA. Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania convened a high-level meeting with officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and state departments to coordinate road restoration and ensure proper maintenance of four-lane projects.