Shimla, 6 July (H.S.): The monsoon chaos in Himachal Pradesh has intensified, with heavy rains sweeping across the state since morning, prompted by a red alert from the Meteorological Centre in Shimla. This alert focuses on Mandi, Kangra, and Sirmaur districts for extremely heavy rain, while nine districts, including Shimla, Solan, and Hamirpur, face flash flood warnings for 24 hours. Residents in Chamba, Kullu, Kangra, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Mandi are advised to exercise caution and limit travel. In Mandi, a recent cloudburst resulted in two footbridges being washed away, though no casualties have occurred, as confirmed by DSP Padhar Devaraj.

In the last 24 hours, Kangra recorded the highest rainfall of 102 mm at Nagrota Suriyan, with other districts also reporting significant rainfall. The weather department has issued a red alert for today, an orange alert for July 7, and a yellow alert from July 8-10, predicting normal rain on July 11-12. Currently, the state faces major disruptions, with 269 roads and 278 water supply schemes closed, particularly affecting Mandi district, which has the highest impact.

Between June 20 and July 5, the state suffered 74 fatalities, 37 missing persons, and damages amounting to Rs 566 crore due to cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods. Mandi district alone reported 14 deaths due to cloudbursts and 31 individuals missing. The disaster led to significant destruction, affecting houses, shops, and cattle shelters, with 19 homes completely destroyed and losses in agriculture reported. Furthermore, 27 individuals have died in road accidents attributed to rain-related hazards, highlighting the severe impact of the prevailing weather conditions on the state’s infrastructure and safety.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar