Shimla, July 13(HS): Himachal Pradesh faces a renewed threat of heavy rain from July 14 to 17, as warned by the Meteorological Centre Shimla. An orange alert is issued for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Kangra and Sirmaur on July 14, while a yellow alert is in place for Mandi, Shimla, and Solan. The yellow alert continues for Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur on July 15, and will cover all districts except Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur on July 16. On July 17, the yellow alert will again apply to Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmaur. Light to moderate rainfall is expected on July 18 and 19 with no alerts issued.

The monsoon slowed recently, providing a brief respite to residents. The highest rainfall recorded was 30 mm in Jot (Chamba), 20 mm in Kufri (Shimla), and 10 mm in various locations including Shimla and Solan. Landslides have severely disrupted normal life, blocking 227 roads, including one national highway, with Mandi district being the worst affected. Power and water supply are significantly impacted, with many transformers and drinking water schemes non-operational.

Since the onset of the monsoon, 95 deaths have been reported due to rain-related incidents, with Mandi recording the highest fatalities. Property damage includes 1,007 houses and numerous livestock losses. The total property loss is approximately 751 crores, affecting the Water Power and Public Works Departments significantly.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar