Key Facts
Himachal Pradesh witnessed a shift in monsoon activity on Saturday, with heavy rain lashing the capital Shimla and humidity rising in the plains after a pause in rainfall. The State Disaster Management Authority reported that by Saturday evening, 189 roads remained closed, 146 electricity transformers were affected, and 104 drinking water schemes were disrupted across the state.
Heavy Rain in Shimla and Surroundings
Shimla experienced heavy downpour in the afternoon, which continued intermittently until evening. The rain brought relief from the previous night's intense showers that had triggered a landslide in the Bothevel area of Sanjauli, threatening four houses and two shops. The landslide occurred around 4 am, causing panic among residents. In New Shimla and other parts of the city, landslides and falling debris damaged several vehicles. By Saturday afternoon, light clouds prevailed, and rain resumed around 5 pm, making the weather pleasant.
Impact on Districts
Kullu
Heavy rain late Friday night led to a rise in the water level of the Pin Parvati river. The river's fury caused water to enter two houses in the Shakti area, prompting the administration to evacuate them as a precaution. Additionally, more than four culverts connecting Shakti, Maraud, and Shugad villages were washed away. The district still has 51 closed roads, affecting connectivity to several rural areas.
Sirmour
Sirmour remained one of the worst-affected districts, with 50 roads closed and 25 electricity transformers impacted, disrupting power supply in many areas. The rain also affected 58 drinking water and six irrigation schemes. Crops of potato, ginger, and oilseeds suffered damage.
Kangra
Cloudy skies prevailed throughout Saturday in Kangra district. Dharamshala and nearby areas experienced dense fog in the evening, reducing visibility.
Chamba
No rain was recorded 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 machinery cleared the route.
Hamirpur and Una
Sunshine returned to Hamirpur and Una, resulting in heat and humidity. Temperatures in Una, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur districts exceeded 30 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
Yellow Alert for Five Districts
The Meteorological Center Shimla has issued a yellow alert for rain on Sunday (July 12) for 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.
Maximum Temperatures Recorded on July 11
- Sundernagar: 33.0°C
- Mandi: 32.4°C
- Bharthin: 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
What Readers Should Know
Residents in the yellow alert districts should remain cautious as intermittent rain may cause local flooding and landslides. The administration is working to restore road connectivity and power supply. Farmers in affected areas should assess crop damage and report to local authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 rain on Sunday, July 12.
How many roads were closed in Himachal due to rain?
As of Saturday evening, 189 roads were closed across the state due to rain and landslides.
What was the impact of rain in Kullu district?
In Kullu, the Pin Parvati river swelled due to heavy rain, causing water to enter two houses in Shakti area. Four culverts were washed away in Shakti, Maraud, and Shugad villages.
What is the forecast for the coming days?
Light to moderate rain is expected in many parts of the state until July 17, according to the Meteorological Center Shimla.