The weather office in Shimla issued a red warning for four districts for Monday, July 20, and five districts again for Tuesday
After the Shimla Meteorological Department predicted extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in four to five districts of Himachal Pradesh over the next two days, officials in the state are on high alert.
The local India Meteorological Department (IMD) office has issued a red warning for Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur districts for Monday, July 20, and for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur districts again on Tuesday, July 21.
The signs were there over the weekend.
Roads are blocked
On Saturday morning, rain-triggered floods blocked the Sangla-Chitkul road near ITBP camp at Mastarang in Raksham area of Kinnaur district, causing massive damage and soil erosion along the valley. No casualties have been reported so far, officials said, according to news agency PTI. Work is currently underway to remove the rubble and restore the road. The road was expected to reopen to traffic by late Sunday evening.
Amid incessant rains, the Pathankot-Bharmur national highway was closed due to landslides and debris accumulation near Patti Hathi (Kumnala) and Durjithi. A landslide also occurred near Panyala Nala on the Chamba-Shimla highway (via Sihunta), leading to the closure of the road.
Since Saturday evening, parts of the state have received light to heavy rain, with Dharamshala receiving 84.3 mm, followed by Kangra 61.1 mm, Baonta Sahib 33 mm, Palampur 27.1 mm, Bhatiyat 22.2 mm and Jute 20 mm. Very heavy rain refers to rainfall between 115.6 and 204.5 mm, while very heavy rain refers to rainfall of more than 204.5 mm per day.
Measures taken
Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant directed all deputy commissioners (DCs) to activate emergency operation centers in the district 24×7, identify locations vulnerable to landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts and take preventive measures.
- The Commissioners have been directed to keep Quick Response Teams (QRTs), SDRF, NDRF, Home Guards, Fire Services, Police and Ambulances fully prepared.
- Officials are also reviewing emergency plans to ensure the availability of food, drinking water, medicines and basic goods.
- The public has been asked to avoid non-essential travel, stay away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone slopes, and to stop trying to cross overflowing bridges or flooded roads.
Helpline: Authorities have asked people to follow official guidelines and call the state emergency helpline, 1070, or the district emergency helpline, 1077, in case of any emergency.
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