IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Himachal for next 2 days; issues orange alert for various districts
Jul 21, 2024
New Delhi [India], July 21 : The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for several districts of Himachal Pradesh, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday and Tuesday.
The weather department also informed that light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely to occur in various districts of Himachal Pradesh.
According to the weather department, the districts where rainfall is predicted include Kangra (Dharmsala, Jaisingpur), Mandi (Sarkaghat, Dharmpur, Slapper, Kotli, Mandi, Sundernagar), Hamirpur (Sujanpur Tihra, Hamirpur), Bilaspur (Swarghat, Bilaspur), Chamba Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Kullu.
Earlier this month, as many as 70 roads were closed and 51 water supply schemes were hampered due to heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, 84 electricity supply schemes were also disrupted due to the weather conditions.
The IMD earlier predicted that there would be a reduction in the rainfall from July 8 onwards.
In a statement Onkar Chand Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Government earlier provided an update on the rain situation in the state.
Sharma emphasized that the government has taken proactive measures to work on the rain situation.
Sharma also urged tourists to exercise caution and adhere to the local advisories issued.
"I would appeal to all the visiting tourists to follow the advisories of the district administration and avoid visiting the rivers and streams. Even during summers, over 30 people died due to drowning in the state.
Reflecting on last year's weather conditions, he highlighted the government's readiness and said "Last year, there was 400 per cent extra rainfall in the state but due to the pre-positioning of men, material, and machinery, we were able to save lives. The IMD has forecast a normal monsoon this year and we hope not to face any extreme conditions. However, the state government is ready for any eventuality."
