A series of cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh early Thursday morning have tragically resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and left approximately 50 others missing. The state emergency operation centre reported that the cloudbursts occurred in multiple areas across the state, including Nirmand, Sainj, and Malana in Kullu district, Padhar in Mandi district, and Rampur in Shimla district.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Shimla issued a dire “red alert” for Thursday, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated locations within three districts: Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi. The MeT office, as cited by PTI, also highlighted a “moderate flash flood threat” for isolated parts of Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Shimla districts over the following six hours.
Further concerns were raised regarding the potential for landslides, mudslides, and land sinking, alongside disruptions to crucial services such as water and electricity, communication networks, and associated services. Additionally, the IMD expressed concerns about damage to fruit and standing crops, risks to vulnerable structures and makeshift houses due to strong winds, and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
The IMD also issued orange and yellow alerts for certain districts. A specific orange alert was issued for Kangra district, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall on Friday, August 2. Heavy rains are also anticipated in Sirmaur, Solan, Mandi, and Shimla on the same day. Meteorological expert Sandeep Sharma reported that heavy to very heavy rainfall had been recorded at 20 stations across the hill state, indicating that the wet spell is expected to persist for the next four to five days.
Himachal Pradesh has already experienced a significant amount of rainfall during the current monsoon season, recording 266.6 mm of rainfall against a normal rainfall of 366.3 mm, representing a deficit of 27 percent. Data from the state emergency operation center, up to Tuesday evening, revealed that rain-related incidents had claimed 65 lives since the onset of monsoon on June 27. The state has also suffered significant financial losses estimated at ₹ 433 crore, according to the state’s Emergency Operation Centre. (With inputs from agencies).
