Himachal Pradesh is currently reeling under the severe impact of torrential monsoon rainfall, which has significantly disrupted daily life across the state. In light of the ongoing heavy downpours, authorities declared a closure for all government and private educational institutions, including anganwadi centers, in the Sirmaur and Solan districts on Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Shimla has issued a fresh forecast indicating that light to moderate rainfall will persist across many parts of the state from July 10 to July 15, with isolated regions likely to witness heavy rainfall. The IMD has specifically warned of risks including landslides, flash floods, uprooted trees, and blocked road networks.
Roads Blocked and Power Transformers Affected
The calamity resulting from the extreme weather has claimed one life in Kullu. The state's infrastructure has taken a massive hit, with 124 roads currently closed to traffic, 442 electricity transformers non-operational, and 19 water supply schemes facing disruptions. The downpour has caused extensive damage in areas like the Kala Amb industrial region in Sirmaur district, where waterlogging has crippled routine activity and necessitated the closure of schools. Rainfall data shows that Pachhad recorded the highest precipitation in the state at 207 millimeters, followed by Nahan at 158.5 millimeters, Dhaula Kuan at 70 millimeters, and Paonta Sahib at 62.8 millimeters.
Wall Collapse Damages Vehicles in Shimla
Life in the state capital, Shimla, has also been significantly impacted, with 27 roads closed for vehicular movement. In the Vikas Nagar area of the city, a protective wall in front of a building collapsed, causing damage to two vehicles parked along the road. Furthermore, excessive rainfall led to damage to a house's security wall in the Bradli village of the Sunni area in Shimla district. The premises of the Industrial Training Institute also saw water entering the facility, requiring rescue operations to safely relocate individuals from the site.
Rivers and Nullahs Overflow in Sirmaur
The weather department has projected light to moderate rainfall in Sirmaur district over the next three to four hours. Officials reported that landslides have occurred at several locations in the rural parts of the Nahan district. The major rivers in Sirmaur, including the Tons, Yamuna, Bata, Giri, and Markanda, alongside dozens of smaller streams, are currently in spate. The administration has advised residents to remain away from these water bodies. According to the Public Works Department (PWD), 34 roads are closed within the district, including 21 in the Shillai subdivision, eight in Sangrah, four in Nahan, and one in Rajgarh.
School Closures and Administrative Directives
Orders to close educational institutions in the Paonta subdivision of Sirmaur district were issued late on Thursday night. Subsequently, on Friday morning, Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) of Nahan, Sangrah, Pachhad, and Rajgarh issued similar directives. Following the alert issued by the IMD regarding heavy rain and thunderstorms, Paonta SDM Dwij Goyal declared a holiday for all government and private schools in the subdivision on Friday. This decision was taken under the powers granted by the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to ensure the safety of students. However, the order explicitly mandates that all teaching and non-teaching staff must report to their respective institutions, as they have not been exempted from duty.
