Heavy rain disrupts traffic in Shimla; IMD Issues Orange alert for Himachal
Shimla, July 27
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Himachal Pradesh, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall from July 28 to 31 under the combined influence of an active monsoon and a Western Disturbance.
The weather office has cautioned that widespread and vigorous rainfall during the period could disrupt normal life across the state.
Heavy rain on Sunday affected traffic movement in the state capital after debris from a dumping site near a house rolled down onto the main Barrier-Chakkar road close to the Chakkar Bifurcation. The road was closed for vehicular traffic for a few hours as a precaution.
According to Shimla Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, traffic police personnel were immediately deployed at the spot and motorists were diverted through alternative routes while restoration work was undertaken. The Public Works Department cleared the debris, following which the road was reopened and traffic resumed normally. Police have advised commuters to adhere to speed limits, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and follow traffic personnel’s directions, particularly during spells of heavy rain.
The downpour also affected electricity supply in several villages around Shimla. Power remained disrupted in Jubberhatti, Dawanti and Badahri for several hours before being restored on Sunday afternoon.
The IMD reported that Kandaghat in Solan district received the highest rainfall in the state during the past 24 hours at 106.4 mm, followed by Kahu in Bilaspur with 40.2 mm, Kothi in Kullu 39.2 mm and Sarahan in Shimla district 34.5 mm. Shimla town recorded 16.8 mm of rainfall during the period.
Authorities have advised residents and tourists to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall, and stay away from landslide-prone areas as the wet spell is expected to continue over the next few days.
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