Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Fresh overnight rainfall across Himachal Pradesh has disrupted transportation and essential services in several districts, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to continue its weather warnings. Authorities have confirmed that the wet spell is expected to persist for nearly a week, with a Yellow Alert in force for Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on Wednesday.
According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the heavy showers have rendered more than 160 roads impassable, while 190 electricity transformers and 58 drinking water supply schemes have been affected. Restoration work is underway, with teams deployed across the impacted regions to restore connectivity and public utilities.
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall across many parts of the hill state over the next six days. Weather officials have also issued advance alerts for several districts. Heavy rain is likely in Una, Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on August 6, Kangra and Mandi on August 7, and Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur on August 8.
The administration has advised residents and tourists to avoid venturing near rivers, streams and landslide-prone slopes. People have also been urged to postpone non-essential travel during periods of intense rainfall and rely only on official weather updates.
Although recent showers have been widespread, Himachal Pradesh continues to face a seasonal rainfall shortfall. From June 1 to August 4, the state recorded 360.3 mm of rainfall against the normal 396.9 mm, leaving the overall monsoon deficit at approximately 9 per cent.
Meanwhile, the continuous rainfall has led to a noticeable decline in daytime temperatures across several districts. Chamba recorded one of the sharpest drops, with the maximum temperature settling at 30.2°C, down by 2.6 degrees Celsius. Una registered 30.4°C after a fall of 2.4 degrees, while Solan’s maximum temperature dropped 2.2 degrees to 26.2°C.
Officials have cautioned that the ongoing spell could trigger localized flooding, landslides and falling debris in vulnerable areas. Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with local authorities until weather conditions improve.
