Heavy Rain Alert in Himachal Pradesh Until July 22; Yellow and Orange Alerts Issued in Multiple Districts

Shimla, July 16:
Monsoon activity remains strong across Himachal Pradesh, with the weather expected to intensify further in the coming days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall across several districts until July 22. As per the forecast, a yellow alert for heavy rain has been issued for July 17–20, while an orange alert — indicating more intense rainfall — is in place for July 21 and 22.

According to the IMD, a yellow alert has been issued for July 17 in the districts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi. On July 18, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts are expected to receive heavy rain. The same alert continues for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi on July 19, and Sirmaur on July 20. The rainfall is forecast to intensify on July 21 and 22, with an orange alert issued for several areas anticipating heavy to very heavy rain.

Over the past 24 hours, several regions have already recorded moderate rainfall. Kothi in Kullu, and Jaton Barrage and Sangrah in Sirmaur received 40 mm of rain each. Shimla and surrounding hills witnessed intermittent showers on Wednesday, while the plains saw relatively clearer skies. Sirmaur experienced heavy overnight rain.

According to the State Emergency Operations Center, by Wednesday evening, 201 roads were reported closed across the state, including one National Highway. Mandi district was the worst hit, with 140 roads blocked, followed by Sirmaur (1 NH-707 and 27 roads), Kullu (21 roads), and Kangra (10 roads). In Mandi alone, 41 power transformers and 119 drinking water schemes were disrupted. The district also suffered massive damage from 12 cloudbursts on the night of June 30, particularly in the Seraj region.

Statewide, 47 power transformers are currently non-functional and 137 water supply schemes have been affected. In Kangra’s Nurpur subdivision, 18 water schemes have been impacted. Meanwhile, the NJHPS Nathpa Dam management in Shimla has issued an advisory urging people to stay away from the banks of the Sutlej River, as excess water is being released from the dam.

109 Deaths, 199 Injured in 26 Days

From June 20 to July 16, 109 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, 35 are still missing, and 199 have been injured, according to the State Emergency Operations Center.

Mandi district has been the most affected, recording 20 deaths and 27 missing persons. Other death tolls include 19 in Kangra, 11 in Kullu, 9 each in Hamirpur and Chamba, and 8 each in Solan, Bilaspur, and Una.

So far, the state has seen the partial or complete collapse of 1,084 houses, while 248 shops and 894 cowsheds have been destroyed. Mandi alone accounts for 883 damaged homes, 225 shops, and 730 cowsheds. The June 30 cloudbursts in the Seraj region caused widespread devastation.

Heavy rainfall has also severely impacted livestock. Over 21,500 poultry birds and 1,228 other animals have died. So far this monsoon, Himachal has recorded 22 cloudburst events, 32 flash floods, and 18 landslides.

As per government estimates, the total damage caused by this year’s monsoon has reached approximately ₹883 crore.