Thunderstorm disrupts normal life in Himachal Pradesh, IMD issues alert
Shimla, May 18
A powerful thunderstorm accompanied by high-velocity winds, lightning, and heavy rainfall swept across various districts early today, disrupting normal life and causing damage to infrastructure and agricultural activities. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, warning of the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning in the mid and higher reaches of the region over the next 24 hours.
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Reports from Sundarnagar in Mandi district, Jubbarhatti, and Shimla indicate disruptions in power supply, and delay in harvesting of Rabi crop as a few fallouts due to this weather activity. Precipitation data in different areas reveals that Pachhad recorded 27.3 mm rain, Ponta Sahib 7.2 mm, Dhulakuan 6 mm, Jubbarhati airport 6.6 mm, Kasauli 6 mm, Solan 3.6 mm, and Shimla 3 mm.
Moreover, minimum temperatures in various locations were recorded as Shimla was 10.3 degrees, Sundernagar 17.6 degrees, Bhuntar 14 degrees, Kalpa 7.4 degrees, Dharamshala 16.2 degrees, Una 19.7 degrees, Nahan 20 degrees, Keylong 4.6 degrees, Solan 14.7 degrees, Manali 10 degrees, Kangra 20 degrees, Mandi 18.7 degrees, Bilaspur 18 degrees, Hamirpur 18.7 degrees, Chamba 17 degrees, Dalhousie 9.5 degrees, Jubberhatti 13.4 degrees, Kufri 7.5 degrees, and Narakanda 7.2 degrees.
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The IMD has cautioned residents and farmers about the potential damage caused by the rain, thunderstorms, and lightning. Standing crops, fruit plants, and young seedlings are particularly vulnerable. Farmers are advised to follow the advisories and guidelines provided by the authorities and take necessary measures to protect their crops from the direct impact of rain, thunder, and lightning. It is recommended to reschedule the spraying of insecticides until the weather conditions improve.
