Pallavi Sharma
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Meteorological Department has extended an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rains across major hill districts, valid through June 26. Communities in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Sirmaur, Shimla, Mandi, and Solan have been specifically flagged for potential weather-related disruptions.
Between June 20 and 25, the IMD forecasts frequent downpours, with isolated areas likely to face extremely heavy rainfall on June 22 and 25. Secondary effects such as landslides, waterlogging, road blockages, and reduced visibility are chief concerns.
Local administrations are on heightened alert. Technical teams are conducting preemptive checks at landslide-prone bulges, water crossings, and road foundations. Temporary closures and alternate routes are being prepared for heavy vehicle traffic. Disaster response forces (SDRF) have been mobilized, and relief shelters remain on standby.
In areas like Pandoh, waterlogging at educational institutions has already halted morning classes. Social media platforms are abuzz with villagers urging caution. Educational institutions, including private coaching centers and schools, have been advised to review student safety protocols given the harsh weather.
“Kangra alone recorded 87.8 mm in the last 24 hours. These are not just numbers—they represent lives at risk,” said an IMD official.
State Secretaries have ordered daily weather monitoring, with early warning systems being reinforced. Local civic bodies and health services remain alert to possible water-borne illness outbreaks.
Residents are advised to postpone non-essential travel, avoid water bodies, and report visible cracks or soil slips near their homes. Farmers have rushed to safeguard crops ahead of further rainfall, prepping drainage areas and covering fragile saplings.
As the state awaits more rain, the extended orange alert serves as a stark reminder of the Himalayan terrain’s vulnerability—and the need for vigilance in safeguarding human lives and essential infrastructure.
