Punjab Newsline | Shimla
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast an active monsoon spell across Himachal Pradesh for the next six days, with very heavy rainfall likely during the next 48 hours. An Orange Alert has been issued for Chamba, Mandi and Kangra districts for Thursday, while Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur and Kinnaur have been placed under a Yellow Alert.
According to the IMD, on July 31, Chamba and Kangra will continue under an Orange Alert, while Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall under a Yellow Alert.
The weather department has advised residents in Orange Alert districts to remain highly cautious, warning that flash floods, landslides and sudden waterlogging could occur in vulnerable areas.
Officials said there is little chance of relief from rain until August 4. However, conditions are expected to improve slightly from August 1 to 4, when no Red or Orange Alerts have been issued for any district and only Yellow Alerts will remain in effect.
During the past 24 hours, most parts of the state recorded below-normal rainfall or witnessed generally clear weather, leading to a slight rise in average maximum temperatures. The IMD has predicted that daytime temperatures are likely to fall gradually over the next six days as monsoon activity intensifies.
Meanwhile, a landslide occurred in Dhalli area of Shimla on Wednesday evening, causing minor damage to a vehicle. No casualties have been reported so far.
The state administration has urged tourists and residents to avoid unnecessary travel to hilly and landslide-prone areas, keep track of official weather updates and follow local advisories during the ongoing monsoon spell.
