Himachal Pradesh Faces Record-Breaking Rainfall, IMD Issues Orange Alert for Nine Districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised an orange alert for nine districts in Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, Solan, and Mandi, warning of heavy rainfall. According to Surender Paul, the head of IMD (Shimla), the current year has witnessed the highest rainfall in a century, breaking all previous records in the state.

The region has experienced light rainfall in the past 24 hours, leading to concerns over potential landslides and fog. The monsoon is predicted to continue until September, with a total of 530 mm of rainfall already recorded, and another 734 mm during the monsoon season. This constitutes 70% of the annual average rainfall, with two more months left in the monsoon season.

In view of the extreme weather conditions and the ongoing monsoon, the IMD has issued an advice and an orange alert for the nine districts, underlining the potential of heavy rainfall persisting in the next days.

The issue has resulted in severe harm and loss for the state. Jagat Singh Negi, the Revenue Minister of Himachal Pradesh, emphasised the devastation caused by severe rain, including damage to highways, drinking water supply programmes, and irrigation systems. The anticipated financial loss stands at about 6000 Crore rupees. Tragically, 188 individuals have lost their lives, with 194 others injured, and around 652 houses badly damaged, while nearly 6500 houses have been somewhat affected.

The state disaster management authority estimates that the death toll owing to various reasons since the monsoon onset on June 24 has reached 176.

Authorities are taking preventive measures to manage the situation and prepare for any further impact. The IMD's alert aims to raise awareness and ensure residents and local authorities remain vigilant in handling potential challenges posed by the ongoing heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and flash floods.

As the monsoon continues to unleash its fury on Himachal Pradesh, the state is grappling with the consequences of the record-breaking rainfall, underscoring the urgency of disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.

For more updates keep visiting our website www.topstoriesworld.com where we provide unbiased, true and top stories of the world.