Heavy monsoon activity continues across India’s mountain regions, with several hill states witnessing rainfall, cloudy skies and an increased risk of landslides and flash floods. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds in several areas from July 10 to July 14.
The latest weather report stated that isolated spells of heavy to very heavy showers would be observed over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Himachal Pradesh Weather Update
The high hills of the state may experience heavy rainfall at isolated places in the next five days. Low hill areas might see heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated spots on July 10, and heavy rain thereafter.
The IMD stated that Shimla and Sirmaur districts may be affected by heavy showers on Friday. Moderate to heavy showers would be expected in Solan, whereas moderate rain will continue in Kullu, Mandi, Kinnaur, Hamirpur, and Chamba. Lahaul and Spiti districts would be affected by light rain. Moderate to heavy showers may be experienced in Una, Kangra, and Bilaspur.
Heavy monsoon rainfall over the past 36 hours has wreaked havoc across several parts of Himachal Pradesh, triggering landslides, road closures, flooding, and widespread disruption. Around 15 people have so far died due to rain-related incidents in the region.
In view of incessant rain, all government and private schools and Anganwadi centres will remain closed in Sirmaur and Solan districts of Himachal Pradesh on Friday, officials said.
Uttarakhand Weather Update
Heavy to very heavy rain warning for Kumaon-Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. Very heavy to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning predicted at scattered locations on July 10, followed by heavy showers with thunderstorms from July 11-14.
The continuous heavy rainfall has triggered landslides in the hilly areas and waterlogging in the plain districts of Uttarakhand. Heavy rainfall caused landslides in hilly areas, blocking 107 roads connecting different parts of the state.
"The weather department has also issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in several districts on Friday. In light of the alert, all schools up to grade 12 and Anganwadi centres in Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Haridwar, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat, and Bageshwar have declared a holiday on Friday," the government said in its advisory.
Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh Weather Update
Isolated heavy showers may occur in Jammu and Kashmir accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusts of winds upto40-50kmph during the forecast period. July 11-14 will witness heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.
No significant weather activity has been forecast for the Ladakh and Gilgit divisions during this period.
Travel Advisory
With heavy rainfall predicted across several Himalayan regions, tourists and residents are advised to:
* Avoid travelling through landslide-prone routes during heavy rain
* Check road and weather updates before planning trips
* Stay away from rivers, streams and steep slopes
* Follow local administration advisories
Authorities remain alert as continuous monsoon rainfall may increase the risk of landslides, road blockages and temporary disruptions in hill areas.