Heavy Rain Alert in Himachal for the Next Three Days, Orange Warning Issued for Several Districts
Tourists enjoying rain on the Ridge ground
Shimla, July 20:
The monsoon fury in Himachal Pradesh is set to intensify over the next few days, with the Meteorological Department issuing warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts. The situation is expected to worsen, adding to the hardships already faced by people in the region.
The highest risk is on Monday, July 21, with forecasts predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Solan, Mandi, and Sirmaur. An Orange Alert has been issued for these districts.
No Respite on July 22 and 23
On July 22, an Orange Alert has once again been issued for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sirmaur and Solan. In addition, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, and Shimla are likely to witness heavy rain, and a Yellow Alert has been declared for these areas.
On July 23, Orange Alerts are in place for Una and Bilaspur, while Yellow Alerts cover Hamirpur, Mandi, and Solan. The department has warned of potential thunderstorms, lightning, and landslides during this period, posing serious risks to life and property.
Landslides Close 146 Roads, Crores in Losses
Continuous rainfall has severely disrupted life across the state. A total of 146 roads are currently closed due to landslides, while 28 power transformers and 58 drinking water schemes remain non-functional. Mandi is the worst-hit district, with 94 roads and 40 water supply systems affected.
Since the onset of the monsoon, the state has witnessed 22 cloudbursts, 34 flash floods, and 21 major landslides. So far, the estimated loss during this monsoon season has reached approximately ₹1,234 crore. The Public Works Department has suffered the most, with losses around ₹552 crore, followed by the Jal Shakti Department at ₹442 crore.
119 Deaths, 34 Still Missing
Since June 20, a total of 119 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, with 215 injured and 34 still missing. The highest number of fatalities has occurred in Mandi, where 21 people have died and 27 are missing. Other major losses include 19 deaths in Kangra, 15 in Kullu, 10 in Chamba, and 9 each in Una, Solan, and Hamirpur. Shimla and Bilaspur have reported 8 deaths each.
Hundreds of Homes and Shops Destroyed; Livestock Lost
The relentless rains and landslides have destroyed 377 houses, 264 shops, and 945 cow sheds, while another 733 homes have been partially damaged. Mandi has seen the greatest destruction, with 350 homes, 241 shops, and 767 cow sheds completely flattened. Livestock losses include over 21,500 poultry birds and 1,288 domestic animals.
IMD’s Appeal to the Public
The India Meteorological Department has urged the public to remain indoors during periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms, avoid riverbanks and low-lying drains, and refrain from unnecessary travel. The next three days are expected to be particularly critical, and extreme caution is advised.
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