Himachal's Torrential Rains: A State at Risk

Continuous rains in Himachal Pradesh prompted the local MeT office to issue a 'yellow' alert, predicting heavy rains in isolated areas. The state saw severe disruptions with road closures and significant rainfall deficits. Rain-related incidents resulted in 134 deaths and substantial financial losses.

Himachal Pradesh is experiencing continuous rainfall, leading the local MeT office to issue a 'yellow' alert. Heavy rains are predicted in isolated areas, raising concerns of low to moderate flash floods in districts like Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur until Wednesday. Residents are cautioned about potential damage to crops, vulnerable structures, and kutcha houses.

Since Monday evening, several parts of the state have been lashed by rains, with Baijnath recording the highest rainfall at 110 mm. Other significant rainfall figures include Mandi with 103 mm, Naina Devi 70 mm, Seobagh 52 mm, Sundernagar 50.8 mm, Kangra 49 mm, Berthin 32.7 mm, and Palampur 32.4 mm.

The state emergency operation centre reported that 107 roads, including 48 in Shimla, 24 each in Mandi and Kullu, and several others across the state, were closed due to the rains. The rainfall deficit since the onset of monsoon on June 27 is at 21 percent, with 428.6 mm of rain against the average of 543.6 mm. Rain-related incidents have led to 134 deaths and losses amounting to Rs 1,193 crore between June 27 and August 20. Kukumseri in Lahaul & Spiti district recorded the coldest night temperature at 9.6 degrees Celsius, while Bilaspur was the hottest at 34.7 degrees Celsius.

(With inputs from agencies.)