Rains lash Himachal Pradesh: Orange alert issued as early monsoon showers cause flooding and traffic disruptions. Photo Credit: PTI
Rains lashed parts of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, causing landslides, road blockages, waterlogging, and damage to public infrastructure. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now issued an orange alert for multiple districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days and urging residents and tourists to remain on high alert.
Widespread Rainfall Triggers Landslides and Disruptions
Districts such as Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Shimla, and Sirmaur experienced intense downpours on Saturday. Kangra recorded the highest rainfall at 87.8 mm, followed by Nagrota Suriyan at 56.4 mm and Jogindernagar at 54 mm. The Dharamshala–Chataro–Gaggal and Tauni–Hatkoti roads were hit by landslides, temporarily suspending traffic and stranding commuters. In Shimla’s Jutogh cantonment area, powerful winds uprooted electricity poles and overturned parked vehicles.
In Mandi’s Pandoh area, Shahid Inder Singh Middle School was waterlogged due to continuous showers, prompting temporary closure. Water accumulation in low-lying regions and clogged drains added to the chaos in smaller towns.
Met Department Issues Orange Alert
The Met department’s orange alert for Himachal Pradesh covers five key districts—Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Sirmaur—for Sunday, June 23. The alert indicates the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations, with a heightened risk of flash floods, landslides, falling trees, and waterlogging in vulnerable areas. A yellow alert is also in place for Monday and Tuesday, indicating continued showers but with lower intensity.
The IMD has advised all residents, tourists, and district officials to prepare for emergency conditions and to avoid travel to hill stations, riversides, or known landslide-prone locations during the high-risk period.
Early Monsoon Arrival Raises Concerns
The southwest monsoon reached Himachal Pradesh on June 20, nearly five days ahead of its usual onset date. While the rains brought much-needed relief from summer heat, they have also increased the risk of natural hazards. Monsoon showers first hit Shimla, Kullu, and Manali before spreading across the state. IMD scientists confirmed that the monsoon had advanced into the entire Himachal region due to favourable atmospheric conditions.
Early monsoon activity in the hills often leads to unstable slopes, swelling rivers, and cloudbursts, particularly in districts like Chamba, Kinnaur, and Kullu. Residents are being cautioned to keep emergency kits ready and follow government advisories closely.
State Authorities on High Alert
The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has issued directives to all district administrations to remain vigilant. Road clearance machinery has been deployed on landslide-prone stretches, and police units have been instructed to ensure functional power backups, fuel reserves, and working communication systems in remote areas. Emergency control rooms have been activated in all district headquarters.
In affected areas, schools may be asked to shift to online learning, and transport services are being reviewed for safety. The SDMA has also urged local panchayats and block officers to report flood or landslide incidents promptly and maintain contact with relief teams.
Tourism Sector Advised to Exercise Caution
With Himachal being a popular monsoon getaway, the tourism department has requested hotels, homestays, and travel agencies to share updated weather alerts with visitors. Tourists have been advised to avoid treks, camping near rivers, or driving on high-altitude roads during the orange alert period. Popular tourist circuits including Manali, Dharamshala, and Dalhousie may experience intermittent blockages due to landslides.
Transport officials are closely monitoring national highways and arterial roads, particularly those linking Shimla, Mandi, and Kangra to lower plains.
Weather Outlook for the Week
The IMD expects the monsoon to continue strengthening in Himachal Pradesh over the next few days. Light to moderate rainfall is likely on Monday and Tuesday, followed by another spell of heavy to very heavy rain from midweek onwards. Districts in lower and mid hills are expected to be most affected, while higher-altitude areas may also witness isolated heavy rain with potential cloudburst-like conditions.
Broader weather trends indicate similar rainfall activity in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, with Himachal being among the earliest to receive strong monsoon currents this year.
As the rains continue to lash parts of Himachal and the Met department maintains the orange alert, government agencies are in full preparedness mode while residents are urged to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official advisories for the safety of lives and property.
