Heavy Rain Forecast in Himachal on September 13–14 Yellow Weather Alert Issued; 684 Roads Still Blocked

Himachal Pradesh is likely to experience another spell of heavy rainfall on September 13 and 14, prompting the state’s weather department to issue a yellow weather alert for several districts.

According to the department, on September 13, a yellow alert has been issued for Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur, and Sirmaur districts, where thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and lightning are expected in some areas. Similarly, for September 14, the alert covers Shimla, Mandi, and Solan, along with Una, Kangra, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Sirmaur districts.

The department has further predicted that light to moderate rainfall may continue across the state until September 15. During this period, maximum temperatures are expected to rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures are likely to remain near normal.

Meanwhile, connectivity across the state remains severely impacted, with 684 roads—including four national highways—still blocked and inaccessible to vehicles.

The State Emergency Operations Centre reported that Kullu district alone has around 216 blocked roads, including NH-03 and NH-305. Mandi has 158 blocked routes, Shimla 88, Sirmaur 53, Chamba 48, Kangra 44, Una 23 (including NH-70), Solan 21, Bilaspur 19, Lahaul and Spiti 7, Kinnaur 4 (including NH-05), and Hamirpur 3.

In addition, 1,202 power transformers remain out of service, affecting electricity supply in several districts. Kullu has 708 non-functional transformers, Mandi 282, Sirmaur 78, Shimla 52, Lahaul and Spiti 51, and Chamba 31. Similarly, water supply disruptions have affected large parts of the state, with 423 schemes impacted: Kangra 176, Shimla 134, Mandi 54, Chamba 30, Sirmaur 18, Kullu 6, and Solan 5.

The ongoing disruptions in power and water supply, along with blocked roads, have left many regions grappling with basic service shortages amid continued rainfall warnings.