Himachal weather: Yellow alert issued for heavy rain tomorrow, flashflood risk in five districts

The Meteorological Centre-Shimla has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain across parts of Himachal Pradesh on September 6, with thunderstorms predicted on September 7. According to the forecast, light rain will persist in various parts of the state until September 12.

Additionally, an alert for flashfloods has been is expected in certain catchment areas of Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts within the next 24 hours. On Thursday night, several areas recorded significant rainfall, with Naina Devi receiving 158.6 mm, Dehra Gopipur 64 mm and Dharamshala 55.2 mm, among others.

Flooding in Kullu district

Heavy rainfall hit Kullu district and the Lahaul valley on Friday, with snow falling on the high peaks of Lahaul, including Rohtang Pass, leading to a noticeable drop in temperature. In Kullu district headquarters, rainwater inundated roads and pathways, causing chaos and exposing shortcomings in the Public Works Department and Municipal Council’s infrastructure.

Water flowed over the main road from Gandhinagar to Ramshila, while footpaths in all 11 municipal wards became waterlogged, hampering pedestrian movement. The worst affected were patients and attendants attempting to reach the Regional Hospital in Kullu, with the footpath leading to the hospital gate submerged in water.

40 roads, 3 bridges shut across state

As of 10 am on Friday, movement on 40 roads and three bridges was blocked due to landslides, and 32 electricity transformers were disrupted across the state. Landslides near 6, 7 and 9 miles on the Mandi-Pandoh section of the Mandi-Kullu national highway disrupted traffic.

September rainfall exceeds normal levels

Himachal Pradesh has recorded 13% more rainfall than usual so far in September. Bilaspur received 91% more rain than average, Mandi 94% and Sirmaur saw a significant increase of 136%. However, some districts like Una, Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur received less rainfall, with Una registering 57% below the normal level.