TNR News Network
Shimla:
The monsoon has weakened considerably in Himachal Pradesh, with rainfall across the state falling 18% short of normal over the past week, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). From July 1 to July 8, the state usually receives around 47.4 mm of rain, but this year only 38.8 mm has been recorded.
Lahaul-Spiti district received no rainfall at all during this period, highlighting the severity of the shortfall. The IMD has indicated that no significant rainfall is expected in the coming days either, suggesting that the monsoon may further weaken from July 11 onward.
Rainfall distribution has been highly uneven across the state. Chamba received 59% below-normal rainfall, Kullu 46%, Kinnaur 42%, Kangra 9% and Shimla 6%. In contrast, Una recorded 91% more than average rainfall, while Mandi, Sirmaur, Bilaspur and Hamirpur saw 22%, 13%, 25% and 19% above-normal rainfall respectively.
The meteorological department attributes the weakening monsoon to the southward shift of the monsoon trough, which typically brings rainfall during this season. The trough has shown signs of moving south instead of northward, reducing rainfall activity in the region.
Despite the reduced rainfall in many parts of the state, the monsoon season has already caused significant destruction. As of now, 85 lives have been lost due to various rain-related incidents. These include one due to landslides, eight in flashfloods, 14 from cloudbursts, nine by drowning, one in a fire, three from snakebites, three from electrocution, 10 from falls and four from other causes. Additionally, 31 persons died in road accidents and 30 remain missing.
The estimated loss to public and private property has reached Rs 718 crore. A total of 198 roads remain blocked, with the Mandi division being the worst-hit, reporting 150 road closures. Furthermore, 159 electricity transformers and 297 drinking water schemes are currently non-functional.
Light rainfall is forecast for today and tomorrow in Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur districts. However, the IMD warns that the weakening trend of the monsoon may intensify in the coming days.
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