- Heavy rains in Himachal blocked 26 roads.
- Pathankot-Mandi NH traffic was impacted.
- IMD warns of active monsoon, landslides, flash floods.
Himachal Weather: Heavy rains lashed several districts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, causing landslides that blocked 26 roads, including the Pathankot-Mandi national highway. Traffic was restored on the NH after 7-8 hours. Water entered people's homes in Padhar. Waterlogging also cut off connectivity to several homes. A large portion of the Pathankot-Mandi national highway near Maigal was damaged.
With the arrival of monsoon in Himachal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert. IMD has forecast an active monsoon across Himachal Pradesh for the next five to seven days. Heavy rain is expected to continue in Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts, increasing the risk of landslides, flash floods, and rising water levels in rivers and streams.
According to Shobhit Katiyar, head of the IMD Himachal Pradesh Meteorological Centre, widespread rainfall was recorded in almost all districts during the past 24 hours. Heavy rain fell in parts of Mandi and Hamirpur districts, while Shimla, Hamirpur and several other areas received moderate rain.
Katiyar said, "Monsoon will remain active in Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur for the next five to seven days. Heavy rain is likely at some places in these districts almost every day, while the remaining districts are also expected to receive moderate rain for the next four to five days."
IMD Issues Warning
He further said Sirmaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra districts are expected to receive the most rainfall in the coming days. Katiyar warned that continued heavy rainfall could lead to landslides, flash floods, and rising water levels in rivers, streams, and other water bodies.
Roads are likely to be slippery, visibility may be reduced at many places and local damage to agricultural and horticultural crops may also occur due to the incessant rain. "In view of the forecast, an advisory has been issued for Sirmaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi and Kangra districts. Although rainfall is expected to be mainly moderate in other districts, residents should still exercise caution," he said.
Monsoon Activity To Reduce By July End
IMD chief Katiyar said, "Our forecast shows that after being active in the first week of July, monsoon activity will remain strong in both mid-hill and lower hill areas till around July 13-14." In the third week, between July 16 and July 22, rainfall is likely to remain active in the middle hills, but it may reduce slightly in the lower hills.
Monsoon activity is expected to gradually decrease over the entire state in the last week of July, around July 23 onwards. The IMD has advised residents, tourists and travellers to monitor weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel to landslide-prone areas during heavy rains, and follow advisories issued by local authorities.