• Source:JND
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Himachal Weather: Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a devastating monsoon season as heavy rains continue to batter the state, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Since June 20, 98 people have lost their lives due to monsoon-related incidents, with 57 fatalities resulting from rain-triggered disasters such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts. Another 41 deaths were recorded in road accidents linked to the severe weather conditions. These grim figures were confirmed by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) in their latest update issued on Monday morning.

The heavy downpour shows no signs of letting up, as the state’s Meteorological Department has issued an orange weather warning for Kangra and Sirmour districts starting July 14, predicting very heavy rain in isolated areas through July 18. Meanwhile, Shimla, Mandi, and Solan districts are under a yellow alert, signaling spells of heavy rain in parts of these regions. Similar warnings cover several other districts from July 15 to 18, promising continued challenges for residents and authorities alike.

The impact of the rains goes beyond the tragic loss of lives. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) has reported extensive damage to public infrastructure: 208 roads, including the crucial NH-21 connecting Mandi and Kullu, remain blocked. Additionally, 139 power distribution transformers have been disrupted, and 745 water supply schemes are affected, further complicating relief and recovery efforts.

Among the districts, Mandi has been hit hardest, with 21 rain-related deaths and 27 people reported missing, alongside severe damage to homes and property. Road accident deaths have been notably high in Kullu, with seven fatalities, followed by Chamba (six), and Shimla and Solan (four each). Other districts including Kangra, Bilaspur, Kinnaur, and Una have also reported casualties.

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In last 24 days, the region has witnessed over 31 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts, and 18 landslides. Authorities urge people to steer clear of vulnerable zones, keep a close eye on weather updates, and contact the SEOC helpline at 1070 during emergencies.

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Himachal Pradesh Weather Forecast (July 14 – July 20)

July 14: Light to moderate rain expected in most areas, with isolated heavy to very heavy rain. Orange alert for Sirmaur, Mandi, and Kangra; yellow alert for Una, Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, Kullu, and Chamba.

July 15: Similar conditions with orange alert in Sirmaur, Solan, Shimla; yellow alert in Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Kangra.

July 16: Light to moderate rain with isolated heavy spells. Yellow alert in Shimla, Mandi, Una, and Kangra.

July 17: Light to moderate rain with isolated heavy rain expected. Yellow alert in Sirmaur, Una, Kangra, Chamba, Kullu, and Mandi.

July 18: Light to moderate rain in many places. Yellow alert for Kullu, Kangra, and Chamba.

July 19: Light to moderate rain with possible heavy to very heavy rain at isolated spots. Yellow alert continues.

Residents are advised to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols as the state continues to battle one of its harshest monsoon spells in recent years.