Key Facts
Himachal Pradesh experienced a significant shift in monsoon activity on Saturday, with heavy rain lashing the capital Shimla and humidity rising in the plains. The State Disaster Management Authority reported that as of Saturday evening, 189 roads were closed, 146 electricity transformers were affected, and 104 drinking water schemes were disrupted across the state. A yellow alert for rain has been issued for Sunday in five districts: Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Mandi.
Details of Rainfall and Impact
Shimla and Surroundings
In Shimla, clouds unleashed heavy downpour after noon on Saturday. The city had witnessed intense rain on Friday night, triggering a landslide in the Bothevel area of Sanjauli. Four houses and two shops were threatened, prompting panic among residents. The landslide occurred around 4 am, and authorities evacuated the area. In New Shimla and other parts of the city, falling debris damaged several vehicles. By Saturday evening, the rain subsided, bringing pleasant weather.
Kullu District
Heavy rain late Friday night caused the Pin Parvati river to swell, flooding two houses in the Shakti area. The administration evacuated both houses as a precaution. Strong currents washed away over four culverts connecting Shakti, Maraud, and Shugad villages. As of Saturday, 51 roads remained closed in the district, disrupting connectivity to many rural areas.
Sirmour District
Sirmour was among the worst-affected districts, with 50 roads closed and 25 electrical transformers damaged, leading to power outages in several areas. The rain also impacted 58 drinking water and six irrigation schemes. Crops of potato, ginger, and oilseeds suffered damage.
Kangra and Chamba
In Kangra, cloudy skies prevailed throughout Saturday, with dense fog reducing visibility in Dharamshala and surrounding areas in the evening. Chamba district experienced humid conditions as no rain occurred. A landslide near Batti Di Hatti on the Bharmour-Pathankot National Highway disrupted traffic for about 15 minutes before the road was cleared.
Plains Districts
Hamirpur and Una saw sunshine, leading to heat and humidity. Temperatures in Una, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur exceeded 30°C on Saturday.
Temperature Recordings (Max) on July 11
- Sundernagar: 33.0°C
- Mandi: 32.4°C
- Barthin: 31.9°C
- Neri: 31.4°C
- Una: 31.0°C
- Bilaspur: 31.0°C
- Kangra: 29.0°C
- Chamba: 28.4°C
- Nahan: 28.1°C
- Solan: 26.8°C
- Shimla: 23.4°C
- Manali: 22.2°C
Forecast and Advisory
The Meteorological Center Shimla has predicted light to moderate rain in many parts of the state until July 17. A yellow alert is in place for Sunday in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Mandi districts. Residents are advised to stay cautious, avoid flood-prone areas, and follow updates from the State Disaster Management Authority.
FAQ
Which districts in Himachal are under yellow alert on July 12?
Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Mandi districts have been issued a yellow alert for rain on Sunday, July 12.
How many roads are closed in Himachal due to rain?
As of Saturday evening, 189 roads were closed across the state due to landslides and waterlogging.
What was the impact of rain in Kullu district?
In Kullu, the Pin Parvati river swelled, flooding two houses in Shakti area. Over four culverts were washed away, and 51 roads remain closed.