SHIMLA: Monsoon activity continues to intensify across Himachal Pradesh, with intermittent rains lashing lower and mid-hill districts while higher reaches experience winter-like conditions following fresh snowfall.
Light snowfall was reported in Kullu district’s higher elevations, including Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Sar Pass, Rohtang Pass, and adjoining peaks. The fresh snow spell led to a sharp dip in temperatures, blanketing the mountains in white once again.
Over 130 Roads Blocked, Essential Services Hit
Continuous rainfall has disrupted daily life across the hill state. More than 130 roads remain closed to traffic due to landslides and debris. Essential infrastructure has also taken a hit, with 60 electricity transformers out of order and 370 drinking water supply schemes affected.
State administration has directed concerned departments to accelerate restoration work. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Centre and the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) have advised residents and tourists to exercise caution, stay away from rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas, and avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather.
Rain Activity Recorded Across Districts
Several parts of the state received significant rainfall in the last 24 hours. Naina Devi in Bilaspur recorded the highest rainfall at 76.2 mm, followed by Jot in Chamba (75.2 mm), Ghamroor in Kangra (61.6 mm), Olinda in Bilaspur (42.0 mm), BBMB Bilaspur (40.4 mm), Sarahan in Shimla (30.5 mm), and Nangal Dam in Una (29.6 mm).
Among major towns, Kangra registered 24.6 mm of rain, Shimla 20.4 mm, Dharamshala 19.3 mm, Mashobra 18.5 mm, Una 18.0 mm, Dehra Gopipur 16.3 mm, Kasauli 14.0 mm, Sainj 13.0 mm, Nahan 12.8 mm, Palampur and Manali 11.0 mm each, Solan 10.6 mm, and Bharmour 10.0 mm.
Orange Alert Issued for Three Days
The Met Department warned that monsoon intensity will increase significantly from July 27, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall to several districts.
- July 25 & 26: A ‘Yellow’ alert has been issued for heavy rainfall at isolated places.
- July 27, 28 & 29: An ‘Orange’ alert is in place as monsoon activity strengthens, posing risks of flash floods, landslides, and sudden surges in water levels of natural streams.
- July 30: A ‘Yellow’ alert remains active for heavy downpours in isolated areas.
Temperature Profile
Lahaul and Spiti’s Keylong recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 11.3°C, while Dehra Gopipur recorded the highest minimum temperature at 25.0°C.
Other minimum temperatures recorded include: Kukumseri (11.9°C), Bharmour (12.0°C), Tabo (13.7°C), Kalpa (14.8°C), Kufri (14.7°C), Dharamshala (16.2°C), Shimla (16.4°C), Dalhousie (16.5°C), Mashobra (16.9°C), Kasauli (17.5°C), Manali (17.9°C), Kotkhai (18.3°C), Sainj (19.0°C), Jubbarhatti (19.5°C), Palampur, Solan, and Seobag (20.0°C each), Bhuntar (20.8°C), Una (21.0°C), Nahan (21.1°C), Kangra (22.2°C), Sundernagar (22.6°C), Neri (22.7°C), Sarahan (22.9°C), Mandi and Hamirpur (23.6°C each), Barthin (23.8°C), and Bilaspur and Paonta Sahib (24.0°C each).
