Flash Flood Warning and Disruptions in Himachal Pradesh

The meteorological office in Himachal Pradesh has issued warnings for flash floods and heavy rainfall in multiple districts. The severe weather has resulted in road closures, power supply disruptions, and significant rainfall deficits. The state has experienced considerable loss and damage due to weather-related incidents this year.

The meteorological office in Himachal Pradesh on Monday warned of low to moderate flash flood risks in several parts of the state, including Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Kinnaur, until Tuesday afternoon.

A 'yellow' alert was also issued for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning at isolated places in nine out of 12 districts, excluding Kinnaur, Chamba, and Lahaul and Spiti, until Tuesday.

Meanwhile, 109 roads, including a national highway, were closed on Monday following heavy rains in several areas, according to the state emergency operation center. National Highway 707 between Hatkoti in Shimla district and Poanta Sahib in Sirmaur district was blocked, and 55 roads were closed in Sirmaur, 23 in Shimla, 10 each in Mandi and Kangra, nine in Kullu, and one each in Lahaul, Spiti, and Una districts.

A total of 427 power supply schemes were also disrupted across the state. Heavy rains lashed parts of Sirmaur, Bilaspur, and Mandi districts, while moderate rainfall occurred in several other places over the past 24 hours until Monday evening.

Dadahu in Sirmaur district received the most rainfall at 160 mm, followed by 146.5 mm in Nahan, 130 mm in Naina Devi, 83 mm in Pachhad, 74.5 mm in Dhaulakuan, and 72.6 mm in Poanta Sahib. Himachal Pradesh has recorded a 23 percent rainfall deficit since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, with 482.1 mm rainfall against an average of 623.9 mm. So far, 153 people have died in rain-related incidents this year, and the state has suffered losses amounting to Rs 1,271 crore.

As per weather data, 11 out of 12 revenue districts in the state recorded a rainfall deficit, except Shimla, which received 10 percent excess rainfall. On Sunday, Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti was the coldest place in the state, recording a low of 11.8 degrees Celsius, while Una was the hottest at a maximum of 33.5 degrees.

(With inputs from agencies.)