Heavy rainfall triggers landslides in Himachal Pradesh, orange alert issued

Parts of Himachal Pradesh are facing trouble due to heavy rainfall, which has caused landslides and road damage in several areas. On Friday, the local Meteorological (MeT) office issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated parts of the state on four days — June 22 (Sunday), June 23 (Monday), June 25 (Wednesday), and June 26 (Thursday). A yellow alert has also been issued for June 24 (Tuesday), warning of heavy rain at some locations.

The situation has already begun affecting normal life in some regions. In the Mandi district, water logging was reported at Shahid Inder Singh Middle School in Pandoh. The rainwater caused major inconvenience for students and staff. Elsewhere in the state, roads and transport systems have been hit by landslides.

One of the affected roads was the Dharmshala-Chataro-Gaggal stretch, where a landslide blocked vehicle movement. Officials said clearing operations are ongoing to restore traffic. In Upper Shimla, a stretch of the Tauni-Hatkoti road also got damaged due to a landslide, further affecting local travel.

Thunderstorms and gusty winds were also recorded in many areas. Sundernagar, Shimla, and Kangra experienced thunderstorms, while Bajaura saw strong winds with speeds reaching 37 km per hour. The sudden change in weather has raised concerns about safety, especially on hilly roads.

The MeT centre has warned that continued heavy rain could lead to more landslides and mudslides in hill areas. In the lower parts of the state, there could be waterlogging, especially in low-lying areas. The rains may also cause minor damage to weak buildings and pose driving hazards such as skidding, slippery roads, and poor visibility.

Rainfall data and monsoon update

According to official data, the highest rainfall in the state was recorded in Nahan, with 84.7 mm. Other places that received rain include:

• Pandoh: 35 mm

• Slapper: 26.3 mm

• Sarahan: 20.5 mm

• Poanta Sahib: 19.8 mm

• Jogindernagar: 19 mm

• Pachhad: 17.2 mm

• Rampur: 15.6 mm

• Gohar: 15 mm

These rainfall amounts show that many parts of the state are already receiving significant rainfall, which may increase in the coming days.

The weather office has said that conditions are favourable for the southwest monsoon to further advance into more parts of Himachal Pradesh in the next two to three days. This means more rain is expected as the monsoon continues to spread across the region.

ALSO READ: Cellular memory: stories of exiles and prisoners at the Dagshai jail museum

ALSO READ: Strengthening Himachal’s rural economy is top priority, says Chief Minister

Officials and disaster response teams are keeping a close watch on the situation. People living in areas prone to landslides and floods have been asked to remain alert. Tourists are also being advised to check weather updates before travelling to the hills.

The heavy rains are expected to help improve water levels in rivers and boost agriculture, but they are also bringing risks of disasters like landslides, road damage, and flash floods. Residents, especially in remote and hilly areas, are urged to take safety precautions and follow official advisories.

Himachal Pradesh often experiences such challenges during the monsoon season. The state government and disaster management teams are preparing for any emergencies as the rain forecast continues for the coming week.