Shimla: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast an active spell of monsoon rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next several days, warning of heavy to very heavy showers, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable regions. An Orange Alert has been issued for parts of the state, with weather conditions expected to remain unstable until August 2.
For Tuesday, the IMD has placed Sirmaur and Bilaspur under an Orange Alert, while Shimla, Mandi and Solan remain under a Yellow Alert. Officials have also cautioned residents in Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur about the possibility of flash floods, particularly in low-lying and riverbank areas.
The weather department has urged both residents and tourists to avoid rivers, streams, waterfalls and landslide-prone stretches, as intermittent heavy rainfall is likely to increase the risk of sudden flooding and slope failures.
The forecast indicates that the intensity of rainfall could increase further from July 30 to July 31. Orange Alerts have been issued for Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur on July 30, while Una, Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra and Shimla are expected to receive very heavy rainfall on July 31. Several other districts, including Kullu, Hamirpur and Solan, remain under Yellow Alert during this period.
Meteorological data also shows that Himachal Pradesh has so far received 291 mm of rainfall against the seasonal normal of 321.2 mm between June 1 and July 26, reflecting a 9 per cent rainfall deficit despite recent intense showers.
With rainfall activity expected to remain widespread, authorities have appealed to the public to monitor official weather advisories, avoid unnecessary travel through vulnerable mountain routes, and exercise caution throughout the ongoing monsoon spell.
