Himachal Weather Alert: Heavy downpour has wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh, leading to cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides, which killed many and left several missing. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a fresh alert, warning of monsoon rain till August 10. Himachal Pradesh is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall till August 10, accompanied by generally cloudy skies. Heavy to moderate rainfall is likely over the weekend, with a yellow alert in place till August 10. The weather department has advised residents to limit outdoor activities and follow official weather updates to avoid inconvenience.
Himachal Weather Forecast: Heavy To Very Heavy Rainfall Expected Till August 10
Heavy rain lashed several parts of Himachal, including Bilashpur, Chamba, Kangra, Solan, Mandi and Shimla on Wednesday. Monsoon rain disrupted daily life and led to widespread destruction. Several people were killed, many went missing, houses were destroyed, and roads were blocked amid heavy downpour. Schools and Anganwadi centres were also closed in Shimla, Mandi and Kullu as a precautionary measure.
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The weather department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall till August 10, further worsening the situation in Himachal Pradesh. The weather is expected to remain cloudy with chances of moderate to heavy rainfall in the state. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature will stand at 22 degrees Celsius. However, relief from heavy rain is expected from August 11, with no official weather alert in place for Himachal.
Himachal Rain Havoc: 533 Roads Blocked, National Highway Shut
According to a report by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 533 roads, including four national highways, were blocked due to heavy rain and landslides in Himachal. The Kalka-Shimla Highway was closed for traffic movement due to debris falling from the hills. In addition to this, 635 electrical transformers and 266 water drinking schemes were also disrupted.
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Bus services remain suspended on 382 routes in Himachal Pradesh. According to the Himachal Road Transport Corporation, HRTC buses did not run on several routes, including 62 routes in Sundarnagar of Mandi district, 25 routes in Rampur, 46 routes in Karsog, 37 routes in Nalagarh, 52 routes in Mandi, 16 routes in Dharampur, 19 routes in Kullu, 11 routes in Rekong Peo, 13 routes in Taradevi depot in Shimla, 17 routes in Solan, 13 routes in Nahan, 8 routes in Rohru, 7 routes in Sarkaghat and 5 routes in Dharamshala.