The rainfall this year in Himachal Pradesh has broken the records of the last several years. According to the data of the Meteorological Center Shimla, this August the state received 431.3 mm of rain, which is the highest rainfall in August since the year 1949. It is also the ninth highest rainfall recorded since 1901. Earlier, 542.4 mm of rain was recorded in 1927, which is the highest ever. This rainfall was 68% more than normal, as normally 256.8 mm of rain is considered in August.
District wise rainfall situation
The highest rainfall in August was recorded in Kangra district, where 816.2 mm of rainfall was recorded. At the same time, Lahaul-Spiti received the lowest rainfall of 129.7 mm. Districts like Bilaspur, Chamba, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Una also received much more rain than normal. Hamirpur, Kangra and Sirmaur districts also received above normal rainfall, while Lahaul-Spiti received normal rainfall.
During this monsoon season (June 20 to August 31), heavy rains have caused a lot of damage in the state. So far 320 people have lost their lives and 379 people have been injured. 40 people are still missing. 154 people have died in road accidents.
During this period, 4,569 kutcha-pucca houses and shops have been damaged. 3,710 cow shelters have also been damaged and 1,885 domestic animals have died. Overall, the state has suffered property damage worth Rs 3,05,684.33 lakh.
This rain and the damage caused by it have posed major challenges to the state government and the local administration. Relief and rescue operations are underway, but the uncertainty of the weather still persists.
