Key Facts
Himachal Pradesh witnessed a shift in monsoon activity on Saturday, with the capital Shimla receiving heavy downpours in the afternoon. Meanwhile, plains districts experienced a rise in humidity and heat after rainfall subsided. The State Disaster Management Authority reported that 189 roads, 146 electricity transformers, and 104 water supply schemes were affected across the state as of Saturday evening.
Shimla and Surroundings Hit by Landslides
In Shimla, a landslide occurred in the Sanjauli-Bothwell area early Friday morning around 4 am, threatening four houses and two shops. Residents panicked as debris slid down. In New Shimla and other parts of the city, falling debris damaged several vehicles. On Saturday, clouds gathered by 3 pm and rain continued until 5 pm, after which the weather turned pleasant.
Kullu District: River Swells, Bridges Washed Away
Heavy rain late Friday night in Kullu district caused the Pin Parvati river to swell. Water entered two houses in the Shakti area, forcing authorities to evacuate them as a precaution. More than four culverts connecting Shakti, Maraud, and Shugad villages were washed away due to strong currents. The district still has 51 closed roads, disrupting connectivity to several rural areas.
Sirmour Most Affected; Crop Damage Reported
Sirmour district remained one of the worst-hit, with 50 roads closed and 25 transformers affected, disrupting power supply in many areas. Additionally, 58 drinking water and six irrigation schemes were impacted. Crops including potatoes, ginger, and oilseeds suffered damage.
Kangra and Chamba: Fog and Humidity
In Kangra, cloudy skies prevailed throughout Saturday. Dharamshala and surrounding areas experienced dense fog in the evening, reducing visibility. Chamba district saw no rain but high humidity. A landslide near Bhatti Hatti on the Bharamour-Pathankot National Highway disrupted traffic for about 15 minutes before machinery cleared the route.
Temperature Highlights
Una, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur recorded maximum temperatures above 30°C. Sundernagar was the hottest at 33.0°C, followed by Mandi (32.4°C), Barthin (31.9°C), Neri (31.4°C), Una and Bilaspur (31.0°C each), Kangra (29.0°C), Chamba (28.4°C), Nahan (28.1°C), Solan (26.8°C), Shimla (23.4°C), and Manali (22.2°C).
Yellow Alert for Sunday
The Meteorological Center Shimla has issued a yellow alert for Sunday (July 12) for parts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Mandi districts. Light to moderate rain is expected to continue across many parts of the state until July 17.
FAQ
Which districts are under yellow alert for rain on July 12?
Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Mandi districts have been issued a yellow alert for Sunday.
How many roads are closed in Himachal due to rain?
As of Saturday evening, 189 roads remain closed across the state.
What was the maximum temperature in Shimla on July 11?
Shimla recorded a maximum temperature of 23.4°C on Saturday.