Key Facts
Himachal Pradesh witnessed a shift in monsoon activity on Saturday, with heavy rain in the capital Shimla and rising humidity in the plains. The State Disaster Management Authority reported that as of Saturday evening, 189 roads remained closed, 146 power transformers were affected, and 104 drinking water schemes were disrupted across the state.
Rain and Its Impact Across Districts
Shimla
Shimla received heavy rainfall in the afternoon, followed by more rain around 5 pm. A landslide in the Bhotwal area of Sanjauli early Saturday morning (around 4 am) endangered four houses and two shops, causing panic among residents. In New Shimla and other parts of the city, falling debris damaged several vehicles. The maximum temperature in Shimla was 23.4 degrees Celsius.
Kullu
Heavy rain late Friday night raised the water level of the Pin Parvati river. In the Shakti area, water entered two houses, prompting the administration to evacuate them as a precaution. More than four culverts connecting Shakti, Maraud, and Shugad villages were washed away. Kullu district still has 51 closed roads, affecting connectivity to many rural areas.
Sirmour
Sirmour was among the worst-affected districts, with 50 roads closed and 25 power transformers disrupted, leading to power outages in several areas. Additionally, 58 drinking water and six irrigation schemes were affected. Crops such as potatoes, ginger, and oilseeds suffered damage.
Kangra
Cloudy conditions prevailed throughout Saturday in Kangra. Dharamshala and surrounding areas experienced dense fog in the evening, reducing visibility.
Chamba
No rain occurred in Chamba on Saturday, leading to humid conditions throughout the day. A landslide near Batti Di Hatti on the Bharmour-Pathankot National Highway disrupted traffic for about 15 minutes before the road was cleared using machinery.
Hamirpur and Una
Sunshine returned to Hamirpur and Una, resulting in heat and humidity. Temperatures in Una, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur exceeded 30 degrees Celsius.
Temperature Records (Maximum in °C)
- Sundernagar: 33.0
- Mandi: 32.4
- Baraithin: 31.9
- Neri: 31.4
- Una: 31.0
- Bilaspur: 31.0
- Kangra: 29.0
- Chamba: 28.4
- Nahan: 28.1
- Solan: 26.8
- Shimla: 23.4
- Manali: 22.2
Yellow Alert for Sunday
The Meteorological Center Shimla has issued a yellow alert for rain on Sunday in parts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Mandi districts. Light to moderate rain is expected to continue in many parts of the state until July 17.
What Residents Should Know
- Avoid travel on hilly roads during rain; check road closure updates before heading out.
- Stay away from landslide-prone areas, especially in Shimla's Sanjauli and New Shimla zones.
- Report power outages and water supply disruptions to local authorities.
- Farmers in Sirmour should assess crop damage and contact agriculture department for assistance.
FAQ
Which districts in Himachal are under yellow alert on Sunday?
Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Mandi districts have been issued a yellow alert for rain on Sunday.
How many roads are closed in Himachal due to rain?
As of Saturday evening, 189 roads were closed across the state, with Kullu district accounting for 51 closures.
What was the maximum temperature in Shimla on Saturday?
Shimla recorded a maximum temperature of 23.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday.