Yellow Alert: Heavy Rains and Thunderstorms Loom Over Himachal Pradesh

The local Met office has issued a yellow alert for heavy rains, thunderstorms, and lightning in five districts of Himachal Pradesh. The warning predicts a continuation of wet weather until September 17. Several roads and power schemes are disrupted, and significant infrastructure damage and casualties have been reported.

The local Met office issued a yellow alert on Wednesday, forecasting heavy rains, thunderstorms, and lightning in five districts of Himachal Pradesh for Thursday and Friday. The wet spell is expected to persist until September 17.

Heavy rains are likely in Kinnaur, Sirmaur, Solan, Shimla, and Bilaspur districts, raising concerns about potential damage to plantations, crops, vulnerable structures, and kutcha houses. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that 37 roads are currently closed for vehicular traffic, with the highest closures in Mandi and Kangra.

The SEOC also noted that 106 power schemes are disrupted. Persistent moderate rains have drenched the state, and officials report a 20% rainfall deficit since the monsoon began on June 27. Rain-related incidents have led to 158 fatalities and financial losses amounting to Rs 1,305 crore.

(With inputs from agencies.)