IMD Issues Orange Alert and Flash Flood Warning in Himachal Pradesh

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for eight districts and a flash flood warning for four districts in Himachal Pradesh due to continuous rainfall over the last 24 hours. A yellow alert has been issued for most parts of the state on Saturday.

Rainfall Details

IMD Senior Scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma stated, “In the last 24 hours, most parts of the state have recorded light to moderate rainfall. Very heavy rainfall has been recorded in Palampur and Kataula Mandi, while Kullu and Solan have experienced light to moderate rainfall.”

He added, “Today, an orange alert has been issued for Kangra, Chamba, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, Sirmaur, and Shimla. A yellow alert has been issued for most parts of the state tomorrow.”

From July 8 onwards, the intensity of rainfall is expected to reduce. Overall, there has been 30 percent less rainfall, with normal levels in Mandi, Shimla, and Solan. However, July has seen 60 percent more rainfall than normal. Rainfall is below normal only in Lahaul and Spiti, and Sirmaur.

Flash Flood Warning

A flash flood warning has been issued for Mandi, Kullu, Solan, and Sirmaur due to continuous rainfall. Fog conditions are expected to prevail in Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur for the next two to three days.

Relief Efforts

Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, flagged off a vehicle carrying relief materials for Kullu on Friday. The truck, sent from Raj Bhawan, includes blankets, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, and tarpaulins for disaster-hit areas. The governor emphasized that the state is well-prepared for any monsoon-related disasters.

Shiv Pratap Shukla said, “Last year, we had to send relief material repeatedly due to disasters. This year, through the Red Cross, we have ensured that relief material is provided before any disaster so it can be used at the right time. Today, we have sent one vehicle, and last year, we sent six vehicles of relief material.”