Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): The monsoon situation in Himachal Pradesh remained a cause for concern on Friday after a fresh landslide blocked the Shimla-Dharamshala National Highway near Bhararighat, while the weather department warned of more intense rainfall in several districts over the coming days.
The landslide struck the highway on Thursday night when an HRTC bus carrying passengers was passing through the area. The bus narrowly escaped being hit by the falling debris. Traffic on the stretch was subsequently stopped for all vehicles as authorities worked to clear the road.
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of hill roads during the ongoing monsoon. The same stretch had witnessed a major rockfall three days earlier, in which one person was killed and his wife and daughter suffered injuries.
Orange alert for two districts
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for isolated areas of Mandi and Sirmaur for Friday, warning of the possibility of very heavy rainfall.
A yellow warning is simultaneously in place for Una, Bilaspur, Chamba and Kangra. Kangra experienced heavy showers overnight, adding to the weather-related concerns in the region.
The IMD has urged people to remain cautious, particularly in areas susceptible to landslides, flash floods and sudden rises in water levels.
Rain spell expected to last until August 19
The unsettled weather is unlikely to end soon. According to the forecast, several parts of Himachal Pradesh could continue receiving rainfall until August 19.
A yellow alert has been issued for Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur on August 15.
Rainfall activity is expected to remain significant on August 16, particularly over Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur and Shimla.
The weather system is likely to strengthen again from August 17 with the expected influence of a Western Disturbance. An orange alert has been issued for Sirmaur, Kangra and Una for August 17, while Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Solan will remain under a yellow warning.
An orange warning has also been issued for parts of the state on August 18.
Tourists, residents advised against risky travel
With roads repeatedly being hit by landslides and falling rocks, authorities have advised residents and tourists to avoid travelling to vulnerable locations unless necessary.
People have particularly been asked to stay away from rivers, streams and other water bodies during periods of heavy rain. Those travelling through hilly routes have also been advised to check road conditions before starting their journey.
Rainfall remains below seasonal average
Despite several episodes of intense rainfall, Himachal Pradesh has recorded a 9% rainfall deficit so far this monsoon.
The state received 441.5 mm of rain between June 1 and August 13, compared with the normal 486.2 mm during the same period.
The largest rainfall deficit was recorded in Lahaul-Spiti at 51%, followed by Hamirpur at 49% and Mandi at 25%. Kangra remained 17% below normal, while Bilaspur recorded a 10% deficit.
Several districts, however, have received surplus rainfall. Kullu has recorded 29% more rain than normal, followed by Shimla at 25% and Kinnaur at 20%.
As the wet spell continues, the focus remains on keeping highways open and preventing further incidents in areas already weakened by repeated rain and landslides.
