Shimla, July 10(UNI) After three days of partial respite, Himachal Pradesh is once again under threat from renewed monsoon fury, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert today for several districts including Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, and Sirmaur, warning of low to moderate flash flood risks and intense rainfall over isolated watersheds.
According to the IMD’s flash flood guidance issued at 8:30 am, “Surface runoff/inundation may occur at some fully saturated soils and low-lying areas due to expected rainfall in the next 24 hours.” Dark clouds have hovered since last evening, signalling more rain ahead.
So far, the monsoon has claimed 85 lives officially, with over 30 missing, and injuries reported across several districts. However, field agencies estimate the actual toll may exceed 115-116 due to ongoing search and rescue operations. Over 340 houses and 149 cow sheds have been completely damaged, and public infrastructure losses have crossed Rs 500 crore, with 223 water schemes and over 750 transformers disrupted.
In Mandi’s Thunag and Seraj areas alone, 466 people were impacted on the intervening night of June 31 and July 1 due to flash floods. Heavy cloudbursts and sudden dam discharges have worsened conditions, washing away embankments and bridges. Kullu, Kangra, and Mandi remain among the worst-affected districts.
As of last evening, 174 roads remain blocked, including National Highway 3 (Mandi–Dharampur via Kotli). While a flight landed at Shimla airport Thursday, connectivity to the city remains hampered due to damaged link roads and recurring landslides.
The IMD has warned of light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning in most parts of the state and intense spells in Chamba, Kangra, Solan, Shimla, and Sirmaur.
Residents have been advised to stay away from riverbanks and steep slopes and to heed government advisories as the monsoon may become more aggressive in the next 24 hours.
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