Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh on High Alert as IMD Issues Red Warning for Extremely Heavy Rainfall in 5 Districts
Himachal Pradesh has been placed on high alert after the Shimla Meteorological Office issued a red warning for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts of the state on July 20 and 21.
Himachal Pradesh has been placed on high alert after the Shimla Meteorological Office issued a red warning for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts of the state on July 20 and 21.
The warning has prompted the Himachal Pradesh Government to direct all departments to remain fully prepared to deal with possible incidents of flash floods, landslides, cloudbursts and road blockages during the ongoing monsoon.
According to the weather office, a red warning has been issued for Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur for Monday, July 20. The warning has been extended to Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur for Tuesday, July 21.
Flash Floods Damage Sangla-Chitkul Road in Kinnaur
The latest weather warning comes amid reports of rain-related damage in parts of the state. Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall blocked the Sangla-Chitkul road near the ITBP camp at Mastarang in the Rakchham area of Kinnaur district on Saturday evening.
The flash floods caused extensive soil erosion and damage along the ravine. Officials said that no loss of life has been reported so far.
Several parts of Himachal Pradesh have also recorded light to heavy rainfall. Dharamshala received 82.2 mm of rain since Saturday evening, followed by Kangra with 57.9 mm, Paonta Sahib with 33 mm, Palampur with 27.1 mm, Bhattiyat with 22.2 mm and Jot with 20 mm.
Government Activates Emergency Preparedness Measures
Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant has directed all Deputy Commissioners to activate district emergency operation centres on a 24×7 basis.
District administrations have been asked to identify vulnerable areas that are prone to landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts and take preventive measures in advance.
Quick Response Teams, the SDRF, NDRF, Home Guards, fire services, police personnel and ambulances have been instructed to remain on standby. Authorities are also reviewing contingency plans and resource inventories to ensure the availability of food, drinking water, medicines and other essential commodities in case of emergencies.
Public Advised to Avoid Unnecessary Travel
The state administration has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during the period of heavy rainfall. Residents have also been advised to stay away from rivers, streams, nallahs and landslide-prone slopes.
Authorities have warned people not to attempt crossing overflowing bridges or flooded roads and have asked the public to follow official weather and emergency advisories.
In case of an emergency, residents can contact the State Emergency Helpline at 1070 or the District Emergency Helpline at 1077.
Red Alert Raises Concern Amid Past Monsoon Destruction
The latest red warning has raised concerns as Himachal Pradesh witnessed widespread destruction during the monsoon seasons of July and August 2023. Heavy rainfall during that period triggered devastating landslides, flash floods and other weather-related incidents, resulting in the deaths of more than 550 people across the state.
With heavy to extremely heavy rainfall forecast in multiple districts, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged residents to remain cautious and follow official instructions.
