Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is facing another spell of heavy rainfall, with the weather department warning of intense showers across several districts over the next two days. The latest monsoon figures underline the scale of the damage already caused in the state, with 183 people reported dead and losses to public and private property estimated at nearly Rs 972 crore.
According to the available data, road accidents account for the highest number of fatalities, with 103 deaths reported so far. Landslides have claimed another 14 lives during the ongoing monsoon.
Five districts under Orange Alert on August 17
Rain activity is expected to increase from Sunday night. The India Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur for August 17, warning of very heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
A Yellow Alert has also been issued for Una, Hamirpur, Kullu, Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti and Solan. Heavy showers are possible in these districts as well.
The weather is expected to remain unsettled even after the peak of the spell. On August 18, Una, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra and Mandi will remain under an Orange Alert, while Bilaspur, Kullu, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur and Lahaul-Spiti have been placed under a Yellow Alert.
Rain likely to continue after August 19
The intensity of the weather system may ease somewhat from August 19, but Himachal is unlikely to see a complete break from rainfall.
The forecast indicates light to moderate showers could continue across many parts of the state until August 21. Bilaspur, Kangra and Mandi are likely to receive rain today, with conditions expected to deteriorate further from tonight.
82 houses completely destroyed
The prolonged monsoon has caused extensive damage across the hill state. As per the latest figures, 82 houses have been completely destroyed, while another 164 have sustained partial damage.
The cumulative loss to government and private property has reached approximately Rs 972 crore.
The toll is particularly significant given that the overall monsoon rainfall remains below the seasonal average.
Himachal has received 10% less rain than normal
Despite the widespread damage, Himachal Pradesh has recorded a rainfall deficit of around 10% so far this monsoon.
Between June 1 and August 14, the state normally receives around 497.2 mm of rainfall. This year, the figure has stood at approximately 446 mm.
The figures highlight how even rainfall below the seasonal average can result in severe damage in the mountainous terrain, where intense short-duration spells can trigger landslides, flash floods and sudden rises in water levels.
Residents advised to avoid vulnerable areas
With another round of heavy rain approaching, authorities have urged residents and tourists to exercise caution, particularly in districts covered by the Orange Alert.
People have been advised to stay away from rivers, streams, ravines and other water bodies and avoid unnecessary travel through areas vulnerable to landslides. Heavy showers can rapidly change ground conditions and cause sudden flooding or debris movement.
With the next 48 hours expected to bring some of the strongest rainfall of the current spell, authorities are keeping a close watch on vulnerable locations across the state.
