The Himachal Pradesh government has placed all departments on alert after the Shimla Meteorological Centre issued a red alert warning for extremely heavy rainfall in several districts on Monday and Tuesday. Officials have been asked to be prepared for any emergency.
On Sunday, the weather office issued a red alert for Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur districts for Monday (July 20). For Tuesday (July 21), the warning has been extended to Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur districts.
Heavy rain triggered flash floods near the ITBP camp at Mastarang in the Rakchham area of Kinnaur district on Saturday evening. The flooding blocked the Sangla-Chitkul road and caused severe soil erosion and damage along the nearby stream. Officials said there were no reports of casualties.
Several parts of Himachal Pradesh received light to heavy rainfall. Dharamshala recorded the highest rainfall at 82.2 mm since Saturday evening, followed by Kangra with 57.9 mm. Paonta Sahib received 33 mm, Palampur 27.1 mm, Bhattiyat 22.2 mm and Jot 20 mm.
According to the Meteorological Department, very heavy rainfall ranges between 115.6 mm and 204.5 mm in a day, while rainfall exceeding 204.5 mm is classified as extremely heavy. A similar red alert had been issued during the devastating monsoon of July and August 2023, when floods and landslides claimed more than 550 lives across the state.
Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant has directed all Deputy Commissioners to keep their district emergency operation centres functional round the clock. They have also been asked to identify areas vulnerable to landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts and take precautionary measures in advance.
District administrations have been instructed to keep Quick Response Teams (QRTs), the SDRF, NDRF, Home Guards, fire services, police personnel and ambulances ready for deployment. Authorities are also reviewing contingency plans and ensuring adequate stocks of food, drinking water, medicines and other essential supplies.
The government has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during the warning period. Residents have also been asked to stay away from rivers, streams, nallahs and landslide-prone areas, avoid crossing flooded roads or overflowing bridges, follow official advisories and contact the state emergency helpline (1070) or district emergency helpline (1077) if assistance is needed.
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