IMD issues Red alert for extremely heavy monsoon rains in Himachal
Indian Meteorological Department sounded a Red alert of extremely heavy monsoon rain in Himachal Pradesh on July 9 issuing an advisory to six districts including Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi. IMD Red alert issued this afternoon said that Extremely heavy rain is likely to occur on July 9 around 1330 hrs. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also most likely to occur over many places in Himachal Pradesh today. The warning of extremely heavy rain was also given at isolated places in the district Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Hamirpur during the next 24 to 48 hrs. The IMD had already issued an orange alert in nine districts for today and tomorrow. Due to the combined effect of South West Monsoon and major western disturbances the heavy rainfall could wreak havoc in the state on July 8 and 9.
A report arriving from the Dadahu market of Sirmaur district said that the roof and walls of a shop in the main market of Dadahu in district Sirmaur were damaged after the landslides on the wall. The owner of the shop identified Amarnath, who runs a washerman’s shop in Dadahu market.
Due to the mishap valuable property including clothes, furniture, and other items the customers kept in his shop got damaged being buried under the rubbles and debris of the house. No loss of life was reported in this mishap and the son of the shop owner came to know about the incident in the morning,
The Revenue Officer Dadahu Ramamurthy visited the spot and assessed the damage caused by the natural claim. The administration estimated the loss of about Rs 50,000 in the incident.
In the past 24 hrs Nahan had 63 mm of rainfall, Dhaula Kuan 39 mm, Shimla 46 mm, Mashobra 22 mm, Dharmpur in Solan 33.8 mm, and Kasauli 26 mm. The minimum temperature went below normal as Bharmour of Chamba recorded eight degree Celsius today. Due to increasing rainfall air and road transport was affected in the state. Jubberhati, Bhutnar, and Gagal airports did not operate any air flights on Saturday.
During the next two days, an Orange alert has been issued in nine districts including Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaru, and a Yellow alert in the rest of the state including Kullu. In view of very heavy rainfall at some places likely to disrupt vehicular traffic and other essential services, Flash Floods along watersheds and other channels in districts Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan. The power and communication facilities likely drailed in the mid and foothills area of the state. Localized flooding of roads and occasional reduction in visibility may impact the movement of traffic in some places.
The Met Office also issued warnings of landslides and mudslides at vulnerable places which may cause road blockage. There is also the possibility of flash floods along the major water streams or rivers. A warning of rising water flow in catchment areas of Beas, Ravi, and Satluj has been issued by the Met Department. Recent heavy execution along the four lanes may lead to the rolling down of boulders and landslides in Mandi, Kullu and Shimla, and Solan districts. The possibility of landslides along Kalka-Shimla NH may lead to traffic congestion. In Sirmuar district, the possibility of landslides along the road was predicted.
The tourists and people expected to have journeys are advised to check for traffic congestion on the route before leaving for their destination and follow any traffic advisories and guidelines issued by the concerned department. People should avoid going to areas that face the water logging problem often and avoid staying in Vulnerable structures. No rain advisory was issued for Lahaul Spiti and Kinnuar district till the next 24 hrs.
IMD hydromat division New Delhi also issued a warning of water logging and flashflood risk till 1300 on July 9. IMD said that moderate to high risk over a few watersheds and nearby areas of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul, Spiti, and Sirmaur may be affected. The warning said that surface runoff or inundation may occur at some fully saturated watersheds and low-laying areas due to expected persistent rainfall in the next 24 hrs.
