Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Himachal Pradesh is bracing for another spell of intense rainfall, even as the state continues to deal with the damage caused by the monsoon so far. The latest figures put the death toll at 183, while losses to government and private property have climbed to around ₹972 crore.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rain across several parts of the state over the next few days, with the most intense conditions expected on August 17 and 18.
Orange alert covers five districts
The weather department has placed Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur under an Orange Alert for August 17, warning of very heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
At the same time, a Yellow Alert has been issued for Una, Hamirpur, Kullu, Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti and Solan.
The warning will remain serious on August 18 as well. Una, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra and Mandi will again be under an Orange Alert, while Bilaspur, Kullu, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur and Lahaul-Spiti will remain under a Yellow Alert.
Rain may continue till August 21
Although rainfall activity is expected to weaken somewhat from August 19, the state is unlikely to experience completely dry weather.
The forecast suggests light to moderate rain could continue in several areas through August 21. Bilaspur, Kangra and Mandi are likely to receive showers today, with rainfall activity expected to increase from tonight.
Road accidents account for most deaths
The monsoon has already taken a heavy toll across the hill state. Of the 183 reported deaths, 103 have occurred in road accidents, while landslides have claimed 14 lives.
The scale of destruction is also visible in the damage to homes. As many as 82 houses have been completely destroyed, while 164 others have suffered partial damage.
The estimated financial loss from damage to government and private property has now reached approximately ₹972 crore.
Rainfall remains below normal
Interestingly, the cumulative rainfall received by Himachal Pradesh this monsoon is still below the seasonal average.
Between June 1 and August 14, the state received around 446 mm of rain, compared with the normal figure of 497.2 mm for the period. This represents a deficit of roughly 10%.
Despite the overall deficit, concentrated spells of intense rainfall have triggered landslides, flooding and other weather-related incidents in vulnerable parts of the state.
Advisory issued amid fresh warning
Residents and visitors have been urged to exercise extra caution as the latest spell approaches. People in vulnerable areas have been advised against unnecessary travel and should avoid rivers, streams, ravines and other water bodies during periods of heavy rain.
Authorities are also keeping a watch on landslide-prone areas, where saturated slopes can become unstable following prolonged or intense rainfall.
With Orange Alerts in place for multiple districts on August 17 and 18, the coming two days are expected to remain particularly challenging for Himachal Pradesh.
