The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended its red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rain in several areas of Himachal Pradesh until July 21. The weather department has warned that the intense rain could trigger flash floods, landslides, rising river levels and poor visibility in several districts.
IMD senior scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma on Monday said widespread rain is likely to continue across the state until July 23, with the heaviest spell expected over the next two days. He said most parts of the state received light to moderate rain during the past 24 hours. Mahore recorded the highest rainfall, followed by Manali and Kangra. According to him, heavy cloud cover and rainfall are continuing over Chamba, Kangra and Una districts.
Sharma said a red alert has been issued for Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on Tuesday, where very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected. He added that these districts are likely to witness the most intense rainfall during the two-day period.
An orange alert has been issued for Una, Hamirpur, Kullu and Solan, while Bilaspur, Kinnaur, and Lahaul and Spiti are under a yellow alert due to the possibility of heavy showers.
According to Sharma, the intensity of the rain is expected to ease slightly from July 22, but wet weather will continue across the state. He said an orange alert has been issued for Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on July 22, while most of the remaining districts will continue under a Yellow Alert. Rainfall activity is likely to persist until July 23.
The weather is expected to improve gradually between July 24 and 26, although light to moderate rain may still occur in the middle and higher hill areas.
The IMD has urged people to stay away from rivers, streams and other water bodies, as continuous rainfall may cause water levels to rise rapidly.
Sharma also warned of possible landslides along highways and hill roads. He urged travellers to check weather updates and follow advisories issued by the state government before starting their journey. He further cautioned that low clouds and fog could reduce visibility, especially in Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur, over the next two days.
People travelling through these areas should drive carefully, as visibility may remain poor until July 22, he said.
On the rainfall situation, he said Himachal Pradesh has received seven per cent below-normal rainfall in July so far. Since the start of the monsoon season, the state has recorded an overall rainfall deficit of 18 per cent.
He added that only Una, Shimla, Kullu and Kinnaur have received above-normal rainfall this monsoon, while the other eight districts continue to record below-normal rainfall.
Also read: IMD issues red alert for heavy rain in Himachal
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