Himachal on Edge: Orange Alert Issued for Heavy Rain from July 5 to 7

Shimla July 02

The monsoon continues to wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh, and the situation may worsen in the coming days. The Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall between July 5 and 7. Additionally, a Yellow Alert is in effect until July 4, with cloudy skies across several regions today.

In the last 12 days since monsoon hit the state on June 20, 61 people have lost their lives, 108 injured, and 40 remain missing. Mandi district has reported 16 deaths, the highest in the state. Other affected districts include Kangra (13 deaths), Chamba (6), Bilaspur (6), and Kullu (4). Landslides and waterlogging risks have increased drastically due to continuous rainfall.

In the past 24 hours, Kasauli (Solan) recorded the highest rainfall at 55 mm, followed by Bagi (54 mm) and Dharampur (38 mm). In Mandi, cloudbursts caused severe destruction Monday night, prompting rescue operations that have saved 370 people so far.

Poor road conditions, especially in Thunag Sub-Division, have hampered relief efforts. The Deputy Commissioner of Mandi has requested airlifting essential supplies via the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force.

The state government has instructed all district officials to remain on alert mode, advising citizens to stay away from rivers and landslide-prone area.