Himachal Pradesh Faces 24% Rainfall Deficit Amid Monsoon Havoc

Himachal Pradesh experienced a 24% rainfall deficit between June 1 and September 1 during the ongoing monsoon season. Despite heavy rains, 11 out of 12 districts recorded low rainfall, leading to significant damage and over 150 fatalities. Losses due to the rains reached Rs 1,265 crore.

Himachal Pradesh has recorded a 24 percent deficit in rainfall between June 1 and September 1, despite experiencing spells of heavy rain during the ongoing monsoon season. The severe weather has caused extensive damage and claimed over 150 lives in the state.

Out of the 12 districts in the state, 11 reported a rainfall deficit. The only exception was Shimla district, which received 10 percent more rainfall than usual, according to the meteorological department.

Data from the weather department indicates that Lahaul and Spiti district recorded the highest rainfall deficit at 73 percent, followed by Kinnaur at 43 percent, Chamba and Una at 34 percent each, and Hamirpur at 33 percent. Other affected districts include Solan, Kullu, Sirmaur, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Kangra, with deficits ranging from 31 to 8 percent.

Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, 151 people have died in rain-related incidents. Officials have stated that the state has suffered losses amounting to Rs 1,265 crore due to the damage caused by the rainfall.

The weather remained mostly dry since Saturday evening, except for isolated rains in some areas. Nahan recorded the highest rainfall at 20 mm, followed by Mandi at 15 mm. A 'yellow' alert has been issued for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning at isolated places on September 3.

On Saturday, Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti was the coldest place in the state, recording a low of 11.9 degrees Celsius, while Una was the hottest, reaching a maximum temperature of 36 degrees Celsius.

(With inputs from agencies.)