Shimla, Sept 19,
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the southwest monsoon may begin its withdrawal from Himachal Pradesh within the next three to four days, with the withdrawal line expected to pass through the state between September 21 and 25.
According to the Met office, monsoon activity will start reducing after Thursday. While light to moderate rain is likely at many places today, isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected in Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur. From September 19, weather conditions are forecast to improve, with only light rain at a few locations. Most areas are expected to turn dry after September 21.
No rainfall has been predicted in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts from September 20 onwards.
In the last 24 hours (Sept 17 to Sept 18), Bilaspur district recorded the heaviest precipitation, with Naina Devi receiving 14 cm of rain, followed by Bilaspur Sadar (12 cm), Kahu (9 cm) and Nahan (8 cm). Thunderstorms were also reported from Shimla, Sundernagar, Kangra, Palampur and Murari Devi.
This year’s monsoon has taken a heavy toll on Himachal Pradesh. Since June 20, the state has reported 419 deaths and 479 injuries linked to rain-related incidents. The damage to public and private property has been pegged at over Rs 4,595 crore.
As of Thursday morning, heavy rainfall continued to disrupt public utilities. A total of 564 roads, including two national highways, remain blocked. Power supply has been hit with 525 transformers out of service, while 281 water supply schemes are affected. Mandi district reported the highest number of road closures (203), followed by Kullu (155) and Shimla (50).
Authorities have urged residents to stay alert for landslides, flash floods and road blockages and to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas.
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