Monsoon hits state, orange alert for heavy rain issued in Himachal

The southwest monsoon arrived in Himachal on Friday, seven days before the last year and five days before the normal date of arrival. The monsoon has covered several parts of the state, including Shimla and Manali.

Advertisement

As per the weather department, conditions are favourable for further advance of monsoon over the remaining parts of the state over the next two days. Following the onset of monsoon, the weather department has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall over many parts of the plains, low hills and the adjoining mid hills from today till June 25.

The department has issued an alert for the possible localised landslide/mudslide in vulnerable areas over the next few days. There is a possibility of waterlogging in low-lying areas, and damage to vulnerable structures. The other problems that are likely to crop up due to heavy rains include traffic congestion, low visibility, disruption of essential services such as water and electricity, communications and related services.

Meanwhile rain was reported in several parts of the state. Nahan received the highest rainfall in the state, measuring 84.7 mm, followed by Pandoh at 35 mm, Slapper at 26.3 mm, Sarahan at 20.5 mm, Poanta Sahib at 19.8 mm, Jogindernagar at 19 mm, Pachhad at 17.2 mm, Rampur at 15.6 mm, and Gohar at 15 mm. Thunderstorms were witnessed in Sundernagar, Shimla and Kangra while gusty winds with wind speeds of 37 kmph lashed Bajaura.

Traffic on the Dharmshala-Chataro-Gaggal road was halted due to a landslide, officials said. A stretch of Tauni-Hatkoti road in the Upper Shimla area was also damaged due to the landslide. Reports also emerged of water logging at the Shahid Inder Singh Middle School in Pandoh, which caused inconvenience for students. The department has advised people to follow traffic advisories and avoid going to the areas vulnerable to waterlogging. People have been advised against going for swimming or boating in rivulets/streams during heavy spells.