Himachal Pradesh Braces for Further Devastation as Heavy Rains Continue

The meteorological office issued an orange alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms in Himachal Pradesh. Many roads are closed, and 215 transformers are disrupted. Monsoon activity is expected to intensify with widespread rain and risks of landslides and floods. Rain-related incidents have claimed 62 lives so far.

The meteorological office on Monday issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorm, and lightning over the next two days in seven districts of Himachal Pradesh.

A total of 45 roads are closed to vehicular traffic, including 29 in Mandi, eight in Kullu, four in Shimla, and two each in Kangra and Kinnaur districts. Furthermore, 215 transformers have been disrupted across the state, according to the emergency operation centre.

The Met department also issued a yellow alert for heavy rain on July 30 and August 2 in isolated locations. Monsoon activity is expected to intensify, with heavy rainfall predicted in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The weather department has also warned of potential landslides and flash floods in Kullu, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, and Kinnaur, in addition to damage to plantations, structures, and waterlogging in low-lying areas due to strong winds.

Rainfall data from the past 24 hours until 5 PM show Ghamoor as the wettest area, recording 100 mm of rain, while Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest night temperature of 13.7°C and Dhaulakuan in Sirmaur the highest day temperature of 36.4°C.

Official data revealed that rain-related incidents have claimed 62 lives in the last month since the monsoon's onset on June 27. Himachal Pradesh has suffered losses amounting to Rs 425 crore.