Himachal weather: Heavy rain lashes state amid orange alert, several districts affected
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Himachal Pradesh is reeling under the impact of heavy rains as recorded rainfall across the state has led to widespread disruption and damage. On Friday (August 9, 2024) night, several areas experienced torrential downpours, with Nahan leading the list at a staggering 168.3 mm of rainfall.
Other notable recordings include Sandhol with 106.4 mm, Nagrota Surian at 93.2 mm and Dhaula Kuan with 67 mm of rainfall. The capital Shimla also received significant rain, alongside thick fog, further complicating the situation.
In response to these severe weather conditions, the Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued an orange alert, warning of heavy rain in several districts today. The districts under this alert include Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur. Authorities have urged tourists and locals to avoid rivers and streams, where the water levels have surged dangerously. A yellow alert has also been issued for certain areas from August 11 to 16, signaling ongoing risks in the days ahead.
The heavy rain has not only led to floods and landslides but has also severely impacted infrastructure across the state. More than 50 roads and drinking water schemes have been stalled due to landslides. The electricity supply has also been disrupted in many parts, leaving residents without power for extended periods.
One of the most alarming incidents occurred on the Shimla-Kinnaur National Highway at Nigulsari, where the upper hill continues to crack. The highway remained closed for 20 hours on Friday due to a landslide, causing severe inconvenience to thousands of commuters.
Similarly, the Chandigarh-Mandi National Highway was blocked for 13 hours after a large trailer overturned and a landslide occurred near Nau Mile, leaving people stranded in their vehicles overnight. Though the NH was restored to one-way traffic on Friday morning, the Ani-Kullu NH remains closed near Ani.
The damage caused by the rains extends beyond the highways. In Mandi, one house and four cow shelters were destroyed due to heavy rain and landslides. A bike was found floating in the Bajgar Khad of Jogindernagar, raising concerns that the rider might have been swept away. In Kangra, three kutcha houses were damaged, with two of them severely impacted.
As the state grapples with these challenges, the Meteorological Department continues to monitor the situation closely. The minimum temperatures recorded in various regions provide a glimpse into the ongoing weather patterns, with Shimla at 17.5°C, Sundernagar at 23.1°C and Una at 24.3°C, among others.
Authorities are working tirelessly to restore normalcy, but the threat of further rain looms large. Residents and travelers are advised to remain vigilant and heed all warnings as the state navigates this period of extreme weather.
