Himachal weather: 2-day orange alert issued for heavy rain as monsoon picks pace
The weather has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall across several parts of Himachal Pradesh on July 31 and August 1 while a yellow alert has been sounded for other days from July 29 to August 2.
According to the weather bulletin released by the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, on Monday (July 29, 2024) morning, Himachal Pradesh will experience continuous rain until August 4, with an orange alert specifically for July 31 and August 1. Additionally, a yellow alert is in effect on July 29 and 30, and August 2.
On Sunday night, several areas in Himachal Pradesh experienced significant rainfall. Ghamarur recorded 96 mm of rain, Jubbarhatti 63.4 mm, Chuwari 57.7 mm, Naidun 56.5 mm, Dhaula Kuan 51 mm, Shilaroo 50.9 mm, Jogindernagar 50 mm, Dharamshala 48.8 mm and Dehra Gopipur 47.2 mm.
Heavy rains triggered a landslide near Datyar on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway-5, causing stones to fall on a vehicle carrying newspapers. The incident resulted in one fatality and three serious injuries, including the driver.
The State Emergency Operation Centre reported that vehicular movement had been halted on 45 roads in the state and 215 electricity transformers are affected in Shimla, Mandi, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti districts.
Shimla witnessed landslides at several locations due to the heavy rainfall. The Pawabo-Kyar-Koti road and Bada Mod on Auckland-Bharari road have been blocked. Additionally, a tree fell in Vikasnagar, damaging a vehicle. Reports of landslides have come in from various other parts of the city as well.
In Lahaul-Spiti district’s Mayad Valley, a flood in Karpat Nala has caused significant damage. The primary school’s store and toilet have been destroyed, and crops in 10 to 12 bighas have been inundated with sludge. Thirty houses in Karpat village have been evacuated, and villagers have taken shelter in tents. In Manali, five houses in Palchan village were evacuated, affecting 63 people who have been relocated to safer areas.
The water level of Swan Khud in Kangra district has risen due to heavy rainfall, affecting rivers and streams in the lower areas. As a precaution, the administration has asked people to stay away from water bodies.
