HP School Holiday On August 11: Himachal Pradesh is likely to witness an intensification of monsoon activity from Monday evening, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected across several parts of the state through August 11, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The IMD has issued an orange alert for August 10 and 11 in Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
As of now, there is no official update regarding a school holiday on August 11. However, going by the IMD alert and the intensity of expected rainfall, a holiday announcement for Kangra, Mandi, and Chamba districts appears highly likely, following the pattern already seen in other rain-hit states this week.
Which Districts Are Under Alert?
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts on August 10 and 11, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, while a yellow alert has been issued for Una, Bilaspur, and Shimla. Isolated heavy rainfall is also likely in other parts of the state.
Rainfall intensity is expected to decrease somewhat on August 12 and 13, though a yellow alert remains in place for parts of Chamba, Bilaspur, Kangra, and Mandi.
Why Is A School Holiday Likely?
Given the severity of the orange alert in Kangra, Mandi, and Chamba, and the risk of sudden rises in water levels in rivers and streams, district administrations elsewhere in India have typically responded to similar alerts with precautionary school closures. While no official confirmation has come from the Himachal Pradesh education department or respective district collectors yet, the pattern strongly suggests a holiday announcement for these three districts could follow later today or early tomorrow morning.
Rainfall Trends And Upcoming Weather
Sharma said that between June 1 and August 10, Himachal Pradesh recorded 9 per cent less rainfall than normal, with Mandi being the only district reporting below-normal rainfall, while most other districts have recorded normal or above-normal rainfall. Monsoon activity is likely to strengthen again from August 14 and continue until August 16, with widespread moderate rainfall expected across the state along with heavy spells at isolated places.
Advisory For Parents
Parents in Kangra, Mandi, and Chamba districts are advised to keep a close watch on official announcements from their respective district administrations and schools before assuming a holiday.
The IMD has cautioned about sudden rises in water levels in rivers and streams, along with reduced visibility in hilly areas due to low clouds and intermittent heavy rainfall.
Parents should avoid sending children to school via routes prone to waterlogging or landslides, keep emergency contacts handy, and regularly check school WhatsApp groups or notice boards for the latest updates through the day.