The spell of monsoon rain continues intermittently in Himachal Pradesh. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in most parts of the state from July 5 to July 8. In view of this, an orange alert has been issued for the next four days. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 69 people have died and 37 are still missing during this monsoon season so far.
Akashvani Correspondent reports that the intensity of rainfall has slightly reduced at several locations across Himachal Pradesh in the past 24 hours, with light to moderate rain recorded in some areas. However, the Meteorological Department has warned that monsoon activity is likely to intensify over the next few days, which may lead to landslides in the hilly regions, uprooting of trees, and rising river levels. Meanwhile, due to heavy rainfall over the past few days, normal life remains disrupted in many parts of the state. Around 280 roads are still blocked for traffic, while 332 power transformers and more than 700 drinking water schemes have been affected.
Mandi district has been the worst affected by heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and landslides, where 20 people have died and 31 others are reported missing during this monsoon season. Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan said that NDRF and SDRF teams are continuously engaged in search operations for the missing persons. He added that 65 people stranded in the highly remote villages of Piala-Deji and two other villages of the most affected Seraj region have been rescued safely this morning, and the administration is continuously providing relief materials and medical assistance to the affected people.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed all officials to expedite relief and rescue operations across the state. In light of the warning for heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning from July 5 to 8, the Meteorological Department has advised people to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and strictly follow the instructions issued by the administration.
