Flash flood risk looms over nine HP districts; IMD issues red alert
Flash flood risk looms over nine HP districts; IMD issues red alert
Shimla, July 21,
Heavy to very heavy monsoon rain continued to lash several parts of Himachal Pradesh since Monday night, prompting district administrations to close educational institutions in Chamba and Theog, while schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur remained shut following earlier orders.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for isolated extremely heavy rainfall till 8 am on Wednesday in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur districts. The Hydromet Division of IMD has also placed Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti under a low to moderate flash flood risk during the next 24 hours. The bulletin warned that surface runoff, inundation and a sudden rise in the water level of streams and rivulets could occur in vulnerable watersheds due to continued heavy rainfall.
According to the Hydromet Division’s bulletin, Sirmaur district is already witnessing a low to moderate flash flood threat, which is likely to persist over the next six hours because of saturated catchments and continuing rainfall. Weather models indicate that some areas may receive up to 130 mm of rainfall during the next 24 hours.
Heavy rainfall was reported across the state during the past 24 hours. Palampur recorded the highest rainfall at 136.4 mm, followed by Dadahu (105.6 mm), Paonta Sahib (79.8 mm) and Dharamshala (75.4 mm).
Also Read Red Alert for Himachal on July 20–21; IMD warns of extremely heavy rain
The IMD has cautioned that intense rainfall may trigger flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and a sudden increase in the discharge of rivers and seasonal nullahs, especially in low-lying and hilly areas. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from riverbanks and landslide-prone slopes, and follow advisories issued by local authorities.
The IMD clarified that the Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin is a guidance product intended to assist disaster management agencies and should be read along with official weather warnings and alerts.
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