Himachal Pradesh Faces Heavy Rains and Road Closures: Yellow Alert Issued

Heavy rains have caused the closure of 40 roads in Himachal Pradesh, prompting the local meteorological office to issue warnings of low flash flood risk in five districts. A yellow alert for heavy rain, thunderstorm, and lightning has been issued for most parts of the state. Several power schemes have also been affected.

As heavy rains forced the closure of 40 roads in Himachal Pradesh, the local meteorological office on Friday issued warnings of low flash flood risk in five districts of the state.

The warnings cover parts of Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Mandi, and Bilaspur districts, valid until Saturday. A yellow alert for heavy rain, thunderstorm, and lightning has been issued for 10 out of 12 districts, excluding the tribal regions of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti.

The state emergency operation centre reported that 32 power schemes have been impacted, while moderate rains drenched different parts of the state with Dehra Gopipur recording the highest rainfall at 64 mm. Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, the state has seen a rainfall deficit of 21%. Over 157 people have died in rain-related incidents this season, with estimated losses amounting to Rs 1,303 crore.

(With inputs from agencies.)