Orange Alert Issued for Heavy Rainfall in Shimla Region

The weather office in Shimla has issued an 'orange' alert for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in parts of Himachal Pradesh on July 21, with a 'yellow' alert on several other dates. The state has faced significant losses due to the monsoon, including casualties and damage to crops and infrastructure.

The weather office in Shimla on Thursday issued an 'orange' alert, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated areas of Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts on July 21.

An additional 'yellow' alert has been issued for heavy rains across the state on July 19, 20, and 22. The weather office has cautioned of possible damage to plantations, horticulture, and standing crops, as well as vulnerable structures, kutcha houses, and huts. There may also be disruption to traffic and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

The state has experienced heavy rainfall since Wednesday. According to the meteorological office, Dharamshala recorded the highest downpour at 143 mm, followed by Ghamroor with 53 mm, Baijnath with 36 mm, Olinda with 32.2 mm, Palampur with 22.4 mm, and Kangra with 19.5 mm.

Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, the state has suffered losses amounting to Rs 186 crore, and 31 people have died in rain-related incidents, as reported by the state emergency operation centre.

Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the state's lowest temperature at 10.4 degrees Celsius, while Bilaspur was the hottest during the day at 37.9 degrees Celsius.

(With inputs from agencies.)