The monsoon has once again intensified in Himachal Pradesh, and the Meteorological Centre Shimla has identified the next four days as highly sensitive. The Meteorological Centre has also issued a flash flood warning for the next 24 hours for the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan. According to the department, the monsoon is expected to remain at its most active between the night of 29 July and 31 July, with widespread rainfall likely across most parts of the state.

 

Continuous rainfall has been recorded across most parts of Himachal Pradesh, including the state capital Shimla, since last night. The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has issued an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall today in five districts, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur. A Yellow Alert for heavy rainfall has also been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan and Kullu districts.

 

In view of the forecast of heavy rainfall, all educational institutions in the Paonta Sahib subdivision of Sirmaur district have been ordered to remain closed today.

 

According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, 108 roads across the state remain blocked due to landslides and heavy rain. In addition, nine electricity transformers and 38 drinking water supply schemes have also been affected.The state government has advised people to exercise extreme caution in landslide-prone areas, stay away from rivers and streams, and avoid unnecessary travel.