Shimla, 20 August (Kiran News). The havoc of monsoon continues in Himachal Pradesh, with conditions expected to worsen in the coming days. The Meteorological Centre Shimla has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the state from August 23 to 25. According to the department’s forecast, there is a high risk of thunderstorms, strong winds, and landslides during this period. The weather is expected to remain bad on August 21, while a yellow alert has been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Sirmaur districts on August 22. On August 23, a yellow alert has been issued for Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, and Solan, while Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur are under an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall. Similarly, on August 24, a yellow alert is in place for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Solan, and an orange alert has been issued for Sirmaur.
In the past 24 hours, many areas have received torrential rainfall. Una’s Bharwain recorded 70 mm, while Dehra Gopipur, Palampur, Solan, and Guler received 60 mm each. Bilaspur received 50 mm, Jubbarhatti in Shimla recorded 50 mm, Naina Devi 50 mm, and Nadaun 40 mm of rain. Continuous rain has disrupted daily life across the state, with landslides blocking roads and hampering traffic.
According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, by Wednesday evening, two national highways and 366 roads had been blocked in the state. In Mandi district alone, 174 roads are closed, with 125 in Kullu, 21 in Kangra, and 22 in Shimla. NH-305 in Kullu and NH-154 in Mandi are completely blocked. Continuous rain has also closed the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway at Hanogi in Mandi due to a landslide. Debris removal work has started, but the alternative route at Kannauj has also sunk, making the situation more complicated. It may take time to reopen the road to Kullu.
Heavy rainfall has also severely affected electricity and water supply. Across the state, 929 transformers are out of service, with 529 in Una, 281 in Kullu, and 98 in Mandi. Additionally, 139 water supply schemes have been affected, including 60 in Mandi and 56 in Kullu.
The monsoon season so far has inflicted deep wounds on the state. This rainy season, 280 people have lost their lives, 37 are missing, and 342 have been injured. The deceased include 48 in Mandi, 47 in Kangra, 35 in Chamba, 26 in Shimla, 25 in Kinnaur, and 24 in Kullu. During this period, 2,791 houses have been damaged, of which 635 have been completely destroyed. Moreover, 385 shops and 2,527 animal sheds have been ruined. Rain and landslides have resulted in the deaths of 1,803 animals and 25,755 poultry birds. According to government estimates, the state has suffered losses amounting to ₹2,281 crore so far. The Public Works Department alone has suffered losses of ₹1,264 crore and the Water Power Department ₹753 crore.
Meanwhile, a cloudburst occurred in Pij village of Kullu district early today. A sudden rise in water level in the Shastri Nagar stream led to a flash flood, washing away several vehicles and causing mud to enter some houses. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Due to heavy rain and bad weather, all educational institutions were ordered closed on Wednesday in Amb and Gagret sub-divisions of Una district and the Manali sub-division of Kullu.
In Kangra district, continuous rainfall and water released from Pong Dam have made the situation even more worrisome. According to BBMB, on the morning of August 20, the water level of Pong Dam was recorded at 1,383.13 feet, after which water was released. This has raised the level of the Beas River, increasing the risk of flooding in the lower Mand areas of Fatehpur and Indora sub-divisions.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment