Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Himachal Pradesh is likely to experience a relatively dry spell over the next six days, with the monsoon expected to remain subdued across the state. The weather department has forecast mostly clear or partly cloudy skies until September 12, with only isolated pockets likely to receive light to moderate showers.
With rainfall activity expected to remain limited, temperatures could climb by around 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in the coming days. No district in Himachal Pradesh has been placed under a rainfall alert until September 12.
The state has already witnessed a below-normal monsoon this year. Cumulative rainfall between the beginning of the season and September 6 has remained 9 per cent below the normal level, and officials do not expect any major improvement in rainfall conditions during the coming week.
Monsoon damage crosses ₹1,200 crore
While the immediate forecast points towards drier conditions, the impact of this year’s monsoon has been substantial. Heavy rain, flash floods and landslides have caused an estimated ₹1,242 crore worth of damage to public and private property across Himachal Pradesh.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has borne the largest share of the losses. Damage to roads and other PWD assets has been estimated at approximately ₹951 crore.
More than 600 houses damaged
The prolonged spell of adverse weather has also affected residential properties across the hill state.
Government figures show that 122 houses have been completely destroyed, while another 494 houses have sustained partial damage due to rain and landslides.
Apart from residential structures, damage has also been reported to 17 shops, six labour sheds and 460 cowsheds.
274 people killed since June 1
The monsoon season has also resulted in significant loss of life in Himachal Pradesh. Between June 1 and September 6, a total of 274 deaths have been reported in the state.
Road accidents account for the largest share of fatalities, with 164 people losing their lives in such incidents. Landslides have claimed 18 lives, while one person died in a flash-flood-related incident and 13 others lost their lives due to drowning.
The remaining fatalities have been attributed to other causes recorded during the monsoon period.
Clearer skies expected, but monsoon impact remains
For now, Himachal Pradesh is likely to get a brief respite from widespread rainfall, with sunshine and partly cloudy conditions dominating most areas. The expected rise in temperatures could bring warmer days to the state, particularly in areas that have recently experienced prolonged cloud cover.
However, despite the relatively quiet weather forecast, the cumulative damage caused by rain-related incidents this season remains a major concern, with losses running into thousands of crores and hundreds of lives affected.
