Himachal Pradesh Braces for Flash Floods Amid Heavy Rain Warnings

The meteorological centre has warned of moderate flash floods in parts of Himachal Pradesh. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning are expected, leading to road closures and fatalities. The state faces significant infrastructure damage, including impacted transformers and water supply schemes. Rain-related incidents have resulted in 87 deaths and substantial financial losses.

The meteorological centre issued a warning on Tuesday of moderate flash flood risk in isolated areas across seven out of 12 districts in Himachal Pradesh over the next 24 hours. Affected districts include Kangra, Sirmaur, Chamba, Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Mandi.

An 'orange' alert for heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning has been issued for August 7 and 10, while a 'yellow' warning is in place for the remaining days until August 12.

Flash floods and landslides caused by relentless rainfall have resulted in the closure of 53 roads statewide. The state emergency operation center confirmed the recovery of 14 bodies, with 40 people still missing following cloudburst-triggered flash floods in Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla. A total of 116 transformers and 65 water supply schemes have been disrupted.

Bharwain recorded the highest rainfall with 66 mm since Monday evening. The weather office forewarned about potential landslides, flash floods, and damage to plantations, crops, vulnerable structures, and 'kutcha' houses due to strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Authorities reported that 87 fatalities occurred in rain-related incidents between June 27 and August 5, with estimated state losses amounting to Rs 684 crore.