Monster Monsoon Strikes Himachal: Red Alert Issued as Rains Wreak Havoc
As the monsoon roars to life in Himachal Pradesh, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in Shimla has sounded the alarm, issuing a red alert for Solan, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and flash floods over the next 24 hours.
The fury of the rains isn’t stopping there—Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Solan, and Sirmaur are under an orange alert for June 29, while Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba brace for widespread rain and thunderstorms under a yellow alert.
Rivers Swell, Dams Open Gates
The relentless downpour has forced authorities to take emergency measures. All spillway gates of Larji Dam were flung open Sunday morning, releasing torrents into the Beas River, and will remain open until June 30. Meanwhile, Pandoh Dam has also begun discharging excess water, drastically raising water levels downstream.
Infrastructure Under Siege
In a worrying repeat of last year’s devastation, a retaining wall near Vishwakarma Temple in Mandi—freshly reinforced with advanced turf reinforcement techniques—has cracked and partially collapsed under the rain’s assault. This very wall had crumbled during the 2023 monsoon disaster, and its failure now has locals fearing the worst.
Temperatures Dip as Skies Weep
The rain has brought a sharp chill—Shimla recorded a high of just 23.4°C, Dharamshala 28°C, and Manali 23.1°C, a stark contrast to the usual summer warmth.
With rivers swelling, dams releasing water, and infrastructure already buckling, Himachal Pradesh is bracing for a monsoon onslaught. Authorities urge residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert and avoid riverbanks and landslide-prone zones. Nature’s fury is here—will the hills hold?
