Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is bracing for another spell of heavy rainfall, with the Meteorological Centre issuing an orange alert for four districts and a yellow alert for six districts on Tuesday.
Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur are under an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places. A yellow alert has been issued for Una, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kullu, Shimla and Solan.
No weather warning has been issued for Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.
Rain alert extended till August 21
According to the weather department, isolated heavy rainfall is expected in the state on August 18, while a yellow alert for heavy rain remains in place from August 19 to 21.
Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph are also likely at isolated places in lower and mid-hill areas. Similar strong winds are expected in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti during the period.
80 deaths, ₹994 crore damage this monsoon
The prolonged monsoon spell has already caused significant damage across the state. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 80 people have died in rain-related incidents since the monsoon began on June 30. The toll includes 14 deaths in landslides and one in a flash flood.
The state has suffered an estimated ₹994 crore in damage during the monsoon so far.
As many as 87 roads remain closed due to rain-related incidents. Kullu has reported the highest number of blocked roads at 33, followed by Mandi with 27 and Shimla with nine. Kangra has six blocked roads, while Sirmaur and Una have four each. One road is also closed in Lahaul-Spiti.
Cloudburst hits Chamba
Heavy rain has already triggered disruption in several parts of the state. A cloudburst in Chamba washed away an iron bridge, leaving around 50 devotees stranded. Local residents reportedly constructed temporary wooden crossings over the stream to help the stranded people reach safety.
Katoula records 74.4 mm rain
Several areas received significant rainfall during the past 24 hours. Katoula in Mandi recorded 74.4 mm of rain, while Jot in Chamba received 52.6 mm, Dharamshala 30.1 mm, Sarahan 20.2 mm and Jogindernagar 15 mm.
Roads, farming and daily life may be affected
The weather department has warned that heavy rainfall could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, poor visibility and slippery roads. Landslides and falling debris may disrupt traffic and road connectivity, while horticulture and agriculture could also suffer localised damage.
Authorities have advised residents and tourists to avoid landslide- and flash-flood-prone areas, maintain a safe distance from swollen rivers and streams, and exercise caution while travelling during periods of intense rainfall.
Motorists have also been urged to follow traffic advisories and avoid unnecessary travel through vulnerable areas.
