Rising dam inflows trigger vigil
Shimla, July 10
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh weather alert for several parts of Himachal Pradesh as monsoon activity intensified across the state on Friday.
The forecast warns of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sirmaur district, while Shimla and Solan are likely to receive isolated heavy rain. Moderate to heavy rainfall is also expected in Mandi, Kinnaur and Kullu districts during the day.
The State Emergency Operation Centre has advised district administrations to remain on alert as the continuing rainfall may lead to localised waterlogging in low-lying areas, traffic congestion, slippery roads and poor visibility. Temporary disruption of essential services and routine outdoor activities is also likely in vulnerable locations.
Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to landslide-prone areas, maintain a safe distance from rivers, streams and other water bodies, and strictly follow traffic advisories and weather updates issued by the state government.
Heavy monsoon rains continued to lash several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Friday, triggering landslides, damaging infrastructure and disrupting normal life across the state.
In a major incident, large boulders crashed onto a moving Toyota Innova Crysta on the Gambharpul–Sarli road in Solan district on Friday morning. Two occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries and were admitted to Kunihar Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. The vehicle was extensively damaged in the accident.
Landslides were reported from several locations across the state following continuous rainfall. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, more than 250 roads have been blocked, while over 200 power transformers have been disrupted, affecting electricity supply in many areas.
Kullu district remains the worst affected, with around 50 roads closed due to landslides and debris. Shimla district has reported 27 road closures, causing inconvenience to commuters and hampering traffic movement.
In Sirmaur district, heavy rainfall inundated several low-lying areas of Kala Amb town, leading to waterlogging and disruption of normal activities. In Shimla’s Vikasnagar locality, two parked vehicles were damaged after stones rolled down from a hillside during the night.
The Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall in isolated parts of the state and advised people to avoid travel through vulnerable areas, particularly landslide-prone stretches and riverbanks. The administration is closely monitoring the situation, while restoration work is underway to reopen roads and restore power supply in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, inflows into major reservoirs have shown a noticeable increase compared to the previous day, reflecting the impact of widespread rainfall in the catchment areas.
The inflow into Kol Dam rose from 971 cumecs at 3 a.m. to 1,570 cumecs by 9 a.m. Bhakra Dam also recorded a steady increase, with inflows climbing from 1,238 cumecs at 3 a.m. to a peak of 1,894 cumecs at 7 a.m. before remaining above 1,600 cumecs. Pandoh Dam registered fluctuating but elevated inflows, increasing from 878.95 cumecs at 3 a.m. to 974.52 cumecs by 9 a.m.
The administration is closely monitoring river levels, reservoir inflows and weather conditions across the state.
Disaster management authorities have asked residents to remain vigilant as continued rainfall over the next few hours could trigger flash floods in vulnerable streams, landslides in hilly terrain and further disruption to road connectivity in parts of the state.
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