The Indian Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for Himachal Pradesh on Monday, predicting heavy rain for three days from July 26 to 28. Although rain has been falling in several districts across Himachal for the past few days, the state will get a break in the weather over the next two days.
“The rains will continue for at least one week. The intensity of rain will reduce on July 24 and 25 but there will be heavy rainfall on July 26, 27 and 28. We have issued an orange alert,” Surender Paul, Head IMD HP said.
“The alert will be for Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Mandi, Kullu, Kangra and Chamba. These districts will be receiving heavy rainfall. The rain will continue but there will not be much rain during the next 48 hours. We have been issuing alerts through disaster management authority,” Paul added further.
The IMD also predicts that old rain records would be broken during the current monsoon. The IMD has issued an advisory for flash flooding, fog, and landslides.
“We will assess the rain data of 100 years but the 24-hour rain data has broken the old records of rain. By the end of the month, we shall assess the total data. There are possibilities of landslides, flash floods and fog especially in the districts of Shimla and Mandi region on the National Highway,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the District Disaster Management Authority issued an advise for inhabitants in the midst of a rain warning issued by the Indian Meteorological Department for the Chamba district.
The advisory said, “1. Avoid visiting hilly areas and places prone to landslides and heavy rainfall. 2. Avoid trekking amid inclement weather. 3. In case of lightning strikes, it is safe to stay indoors for a minimum next 30 minutes.
“4. Do not visit river areas. 5. Pay attention to the warnings issued by the weather department. 6. Request Gram Panchayat Chieves, private organisations, tourists, and trekkers to spread the word.”