IMD issues heavy rain alert for Himachal; severe weather across region

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Shimla has issued a heavy rain alert for six districts in Himachal Pradesh, forecasting medium-intensity rainfall over the next 12 hours. The affected districts include Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi.

Earlier, on the night of August 16, a cloudburst followed by severe flooding struck the Damrali Nallah area in Taklech sub-tehsil of Rampur sub-division. This caused significant disruption, including the breaking of approximately 30 meters of road and damage to nearby mobile towers. Fortunately, no loss of life or major property damage was reported. Shimla Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nishant Tomar and Deputy Superintendent of Police Naresh Sharma promptly arrived at the scene to assess the damage.
In another development, the road near Nigulsari Sliding Point on the Shimla-Kinnaur Highway (NH-5) completely caved in, halting traffic in the area.

On August 18, the IMD also issued an orange alert for several states, including West Bengal, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura, predicting very heavy rainfall. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and various parts of southern India. The Northwestern states, particularly Uttar Pradesh, are also on high alert with forecasts indicating sustained heavy rainfall over the next 5 to 7 days.

IMD scientist Dr. Naresh Kumar explained, “We have issued an orange alert for August 18-19 for West Bengal, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura due to anticipated very heavy rainfall. Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and the South Peninsular area will also experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. In the Northwestern states like Uttar Pradesh, heavy rainfall is expected over the next 5-7 days. Light rainfall is predicted for Delhi NCR.”

Meanwhile, Delhi experienced rainfall on Sunday afternoon, providing some relief from the prevailing humid weather conditions.