Himachal on Orange alert as August rain surges 16% above normal, landslide risk high
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla Aug 11,
Himachal Pradesh is going through one of the most intense monsoon spells of the season as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for multiple districts till August 14. The warning comes amid forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall triggered by a western disturbance, an active monsoon trough and favourable atmospheric conditions, with peak intensity expected on August 13 and 14. Widespread showers are likely to lash low, mid and high hill regions, significantly increasing the risk of landslides, flash floods, road blockages and sudden water surges in rivers and streams.
The month of August has already seen heavy precipitation in many parts of the state. Between August 1 and 11, Una has received 289.3 mm of rain — 118% above normal — while Solan has recorded 211.4 mm, up by 93%, and Bilaspur 239.1 mm, an 88% increase. Hamirpur, Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu and Mandi have also reported rainfall well above average, with only Kangra, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti seeing below-normal figures so far. Overall, Himachal Pradesh has recorded 123.4 mm of rain against a normal of 106.7 mm, marking a 16% surplus for the period.
According to the IMD, Kangra, Chamba and Mandi districts are under Orange Alert on August 11 and 12, Kangra, Sirmaur and Mandi on August 13, and Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur and Mandi on August 14, while yellow warnings have been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, Kullu and Chamba on different days. The weather department has cautioned that heavy downpours may lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, traffic congestion, slippery roads, partial damage to vulnerable structures and losses to horticulture and standing crops.
This year’s monsoon has already left a trail of destruction across Himachal Pradesh. From June 20 to August 11, the state has reported 229 human deaths due to disasters and road accidents, with 323 people injured and over 27,000 livestock and poultry lost. The cumulative financial loss has soared to more than Rs 2,00,741 lakh, with Mandi, Kangra, Una and Kullu among the worst-hit districts. Damage to private property includes 916 houses fully destroyed and 273 partially damaged, while public infrastructure losses span roads, water supply systems, power lines, agriculture, horticulture and education facilities. Landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts and accidents triggered by the rains have been the primary causes of casualties and damage.
Thunderstorm and lightning activity is also expected in parts of Kullu, Sirmaur, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Solan, Una, Mandi and Kangra between August 10 and 11, further compounding the risk to life and property. Authorities have advised residents and tourists to avoid trekking, stay away from water bodies, refrain from visiting landslide-prone zones and keep updated with official weather bulletins. The IMD has also urged close monitoring of river and nala water levels, warning that any sudden rise could prove dangerous in this high-alert period.
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