New Delhi: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert on Thursday, August 1, for heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places across all districts of Himachal Pradesh, excluding Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti. A yellow alert for heavy rainfall at isolated places was also issued by the weather department on Friday, July 31.
According to information from the weather office, the rainy spell is expected to continue in the state until August 6, according to the information. The weather office has issued four colour-coded warnings. he weather office has issued four colour-coded warnings: green (no action required), yellow (watch and stay updated), orange (be prepared), and red (take action).
The weather department has warned of potential landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas of Kullu, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, and Kinnaur districts, along with potential damage to orchards, standing crops, weak structures, and kutcha houses in low-lying areas due to strong winds and waterlogging. Meanwhile, intermittent rainfall may continue in parts of Himachal Pradesh throughout the day.
Cloudbursts in Himachal
At the same time, cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh have resulted in three deaths and around people are reported missing. The state has witnessed widespread destruction, with houses, bridges and roads washed away. Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo Tibetan Border Police, and local authorities working to locate missing people
The government has assured all possible help, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaking to the chief minister and promising support. The situation remains challenging due to damaged roads and continued rainfall. Educational institutes have been closed and the state has suffered huge losses, with 65 lives lost and Rs 433 crore in damages since the onset of monsoon.
