Tag: #RainAlert

  • Tata Sumo Swept Into Gorge After Massive Landslide on Udaipur–Pangi Road, Driver Escapes Miraculously

    Tata Sumo Swept Into Gorge After Massive Landslide on Udaipur–Pangi Road, Driver Escapes Miraculously

    Lahaul-Spiti/Chamba

    At least 13 people, including a six-month-old infant, were killed after a massive landslide sent huge boulders and debris crashing onto a moving Tata Sumo taxi near Kadu Nallah on the Udaipur–Killar road in Himachal Pradesh on Friday. Two occupants are reported to have survived the tragic accident.

    According to Bharmour-Pangi MLA Janak Raj, the vehicle was carrying 15 passengers and was travelling from Udaipur towards Pangi when the hillside suddenly collapsed. The taxi was struck directly by heavy rocks and debris, leaving it completely mangled.

    The impact of the landslide was so severe that the Tata Sumo was crushed beyond recognition. A fire also broke out in the rear portion of the vehicle after the accident. Local residents and Army personnel rushed to the spot, extinguished the flames, and joined rescue efforts despite the difficult terrain. Videos from the scene show the vehicle extensively damaged and engulfed in flames.

    The accident site is located around 60–70 km from Keylong, the headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti district. Rescue operations are continuing amid challenging conditions, with the risk of further landslides and falling debris.

    MLA Janak Raj confirmed that 13 people lost their lives, including a six-month-old child, while two passengers survived. He said he had spoken to the Deputy Commissioners of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti, urging them to expedite rescue and relief operations.

    Preliminary reports indicate that the passengers had been stranded overnight at Tindi after the Udaipur–Killar road was closed due to adverse weather. They resumed their journey towards Pangi after the road reopened on Friday, only to meet with the fatal accident near Kadu Nallah.

    Initial information suggests that most of the deceased were residents of the Pangi Valley. However, the administration has not yet officially released the identities of the victims.

    Lahaul-Spiti DSP Rashmi Sharma said police teams were immediately dispatched after receiving information about the incident. Police, civil administration, and rescue teams remain at the site, and further official details are awaited.

  • Yellow Alert for Heavy Rain in Himachal on June 29-30

    Yellow Alert for Heavy Rain in Himachal on June 29-30

    Weather department predicts continued pre-monsoon activity across the state, advises caution near rivers and landslide-prone areas.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh on June 29 and 30, as the state prepares for the likely arrival of the southwest monsoon.

    According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, weather conditions are expected to remain unstable over the next week, with intermittent rainfall forecast across several parts of the state. While the southwest monsoon is yet to make its official entry into Himachal Pradesh, persistent pre-monsoon activity has already been influencing weather patterns across the region.

    Meteorologists indicate that the monsoon’s arrival may be slightly delayed compared to its normal onset date. However, prevailing atmospheric conditions suggest that the monsoon could enter the state around the end of June, potentially intensifying rainfall activity in many districts.

    The weather department has advised residents and tourists to exercise caution, particularly near rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas. People have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of adverse weather and to strictly follow advisories issued by local authorities.

    With the possibility of increased rainfall in the coming days, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to minimize risks associated with flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging in vulnerable regions.

    The upcoming spell of rain is expected to provide relief from rising temperatures in some areas, while also marking the beginning of the state’s monsoon season.

  • Orange Alert for Heavy Rainfall in Himachal Pradesh

    Orange Alert for Heavy Rainfall in Himachal Pradesh

    Shimla, June 4: The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has issued an Orange Alert for heavy rainfall in several districts of Himachal Pradesh today, warning of hailstorms, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds with speeds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph at isolated places. According to the weather department, many areas in the mid and higher hill regions are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall, while several locations in the lower and plain areas may also witness light showers. The department has indicated that the current wet spell is likely to continue across the state until June 9.

    The Orange Alert has been issued for Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts, where heavy rainfall is expected during the day. Chamba district has been placed under a Yellow Alert, with the possibility of moderate rainfall and adverse weather conditions. The weather department has urged local authorities and residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant.

    For the coming days, the department has issued a Yellow Alert for June 5 in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts. On June 6, the alert will remain in effect for Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu districts, where rainfall activity is expected to continue.

    Despite the forecast of rain, several parts of Himachal Pradesh recorded high temperatures on Wednesday. Neri remained the hottest location in the state with a maximum temperature of 37.4 degrees Celsius, while Una recorded 35.6 degrees Celsius. Other major towns also experienced warm weather, with temperatures reaching 34.7°C in Kangra, 34.1°C in Sundernagar and Nahan, 33.9°C in Bhuntar, and 32.8°C in Mandi. Shimla recorded a maximum temperature of 26°C, while tourist destinations such as Manali and Kufri registered 24.6°C and 19.7°C respectively.

    The Meteorological Department has advised residents and tourists to exercise caution, particularly in hill areas prone to landslides and flash floods. People have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and thunderstorms and to follow weather advisories issued by local authorities. The department has also cautioned against taking shelter under trees during lightning activity and has asked farmers and orchardists to take necessary precautions to protect crops from hailstorms and strong winds.