Weather Alert: Prolonged Monsoon to affect rescue operations in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, Aug 7

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued monsoon activity in Himachal Pradesh, predicting intensified rainfall that could further complicate ongoing rescue operations. Heavy rains are expected to impact several districts, including Kangra, Sirmaur, Shimla, Solan, and Mandi, while Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, Kullu, and Chamba may experience lighter to moderate rainfall, with potential for intense showers in the coming hours.

An orange alert has been issued for Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur, and Shimla until 1800 hrs today. The prolonged rain is expected to hinder efforts to locate 45 individuals still missing from the heavy rains on July 31.

Rescue operations are currently underway in several areas. In Kullu district, teams are working to recover 11 bodies from the flashflood-affected region around Kurpan Khud. In Shimla’s Samej area, 33 people remain unaccounted for, while in Mandi’s Tikkan area, one person is still trapped under debris. A combined force of 700 personnel, including NDRF, state police, and SDRF, along with heavy machinery, is engaged in these operations.

The monsoon season, which began on June 27, has already seen 38 cloudbursts and flash floods, and 16 landslides, resulting in 13 deaths and 46 individuals still missing. Additionally, 136 roads, 2,937 water supply schemes, and 1,242 hectares of crops have been affected. Damage includes 122 houses, 12 shops, and 24 cowsheds, with 38 cattle lost.

Efforts are being hampered as floodwaters have carried bodies significant distances downstream, complicating recovery efforts.

Meanwhile in capital Shimla Two Deodar trees hanging over the Tarahall to Lakkarbazar main road and link roads from US club to Machhiwali kothi in Shimla got uprooted overnight. According to police sources a vehicle parked and running on the roads damage in the incident no loss of life reported in these sparodic incidents.

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Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.