The Himachal Pradesh government has issued a warning to the public to stay away from riverbanks as dams release water in response to rising levels in the Beas River. This decision comes as a result of heavy rainfall in the region, causing an increase in the river’s water level.
In an official release, HP Traffic, Tourist & Railways Police stated that the Pandoh Dam and Larji Dam will be releasing water through their gates to manage the increased flow and silt. The government has urged people to stay away from the riverbanks and ensure children and animals are kept safe during this time.
The regional Meteorological office has issued an ‘orange’ alert for Thursday, predicting heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated areas across all Himachal Pradesh districts, except Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti. An ‘yellow’ alert for heavy rain at isolated locations has also been issued for Friday, with the wet weather expected to continue until August 6.
The weather office uses a color-coded warning system: green (no action needed), yellow (watch and stay updated), orange (be prepared), and red (take action).
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi reported that the recent rains have resulted in the closure of 48 roads and affected around 60 power schemes. The weather office has also issued warnings for potential landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas of Kullu, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, and Kinnaur districts. Strong winds and waterlogging could damage plantations, standing crops, vulnerable structures, and kutcha houses.
Intermittent rain continued across parts of Himachal Pradesh, with Dharamshala receiving 127.6 mm, Una 60.2 mm, Manali 45 mm, and other areas recording varying amounts of rainfall. Since the monsoon began on June 27, rain-related incidents have claimed 65 lives and caused losses of ₹ 433 crore, according to the state’s Emergency Operation Centre.
Earlier on Wednesday, a footbridge and three temporary shops, including a liquor store, were swept away by a flash flood caused by a cloudburst in Tosh Nallah in Kullu district. Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Raveesh confirmed there were no reported fatalities, and a team has been dispatched to assess the damage.
