Extremely Heavy Rainfall likely in Himachal; Red alert for July 6

Shimla, July 4,

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of Himachal Pradesh, warning of extremely heavy rainfall over the next five days, with peak activity expected between noon of July 6 and noon of July 7. This heightened alert comes at a critical juncture as the state is already grappling with the aftermath of multiple cloudburst events, especially in the Seraj region of Mandi district, which witnessed one of the worst natural disasters in recent memory.

According to the latest forecast from IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Shimla, widespread light to moderate rainfall is expected across the state from July 5 to July 9. However, several areas, including low hills, mid hills, and adjoining high hill regions, are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall during this period. On July 6, isolated spells of extremely heavy rainfall are likely over Kangra, Sirmaur, and Mandi districts. These districts, along with Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Solan, Shimla, and Kullu, are under red or orange alerts for various dates, depending on the intensity of expected rainfall.

The Seraj subdivision in Mandi, which was recently ravaged by intense cloudbursts, continues to struggle with rescue and rehabilitation efforts. With around 300 roads washed blocked, multiple bridges damaged, and entire villages cut off, relief operations are ongoing in the region under extremely challenging conditions. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local authorities are working round-the-clock to clear debris, restore connectivity, and provide essential aid. However, the fresh spell of forecasted heavy rainfall could pose serious hurdles to the ongoing recovery work and may further endanger the already vulnerable terrain.

Noteworthy that so far 69 lives have been lost to monsoon and 37 are still missing, so far.

The IMD has cautioned of several associated risks such as landslides, flash floods, mudslides, and the possibility of rising water levels in river catchments and local water channels. There is also a high likelihood of traffic disruption due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, along with waterlogging in low-lying areas. The public has been advised to avoid venturing into vulnerable zones, refrain from trekking or outdoor travel, and keep away from rivers and streams. People living in slope-prone or flood-sensitive regions are being urged to remain alert and follow all instructions from district administrations.

In view of the warning, the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has placed emergency services on high alert and instructed district officials to activate control rooms and prepare for rapid response. Tourists and locals have been urged to stay updated through official channels and not ignore advisories, as the monsoon activity is expected to be intense and prolonged over the coming days.

While Himachal Pradesh remains a favourite destination for travelers during the monsoon, the current weather situation underscores the need for extreme caution. With vulnerable infrastructure and difficult terrain, the combination of saturated slopes and relentless rainfall can turn dangerous with little notice. As rescue teams work tirelessly in disaster-hit areas like Seraj, the approaching weather system threatens to compound the challenges, demanding not just alertness but also widespread cooperation from the public.

Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau