SHIMLA, July 19: Himachal Pradesh has intensified its disaster preparedness after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red warning for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several districts over the next two days. The state administration has placed all concerned departments on high alert, activating emergency response systems to minimize risks associated with flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, isolated areas in multiple districts are expected to receive exceptionally heavy rainfall on July 20 and July 21, prompting authorities to initiate preventive measures in vulnerable regions.
IMD Identifies High-Risk Districts
The weather office has forecast severe rainfall activity in Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts on Monday, while Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmaur are expected to remain under red warning on Tuesday.
Meteorologists explained that very heavy rainfall refers to precipitation ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.5 mm within 24 hours, whereas extremely heavy rainfall exceeds 204.5 mm during the same period. Such weather conditions significantly increase the possibility of flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, particularly in hilly terrain.
Flash Flood Disrupts Connectivity in Kinnaur
The impact of the ongoing monsoon has already been witnessed in Kinnaur district, where a flash flood triggered by intense rainfall blocked the Sangla–Chitkul road near the ITBP camp at Mastarang in the Rakchham region.
Officials reported that the sudden surge of water caused severe soil erosion and damaged sections of the roadside ravine. Although transportation was disrupted, authorities confirmed that no casualties or injuries had been reported in the incident.
Restoration teams are assessing the damage while monitoring weather conditions before beginning large-scale repair work.
Widespread Rainfall Recorded Across the State
Several regions experienced moderate to heavy showers over the past 24 hours.
Among the highest rainfall measurements:
Dharamshala: 82.2 mm
Kangra: 57.9 mm
Paonta Sahib: 33 mm
Palampur: 27.1 mm
Bhattiyat: 22.2 mm
Jot: 20 mm
Meteorological experts believe rainfall intensity may increase further as an active monsoon system strengthens over northwestern India.
Government Activates Emergency Machinery
In view of the forecast, Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant has instructed all Deputy Commissioners to ensure round-the-clock functioning of District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs).
District administrations have been directed to:
Identify landslide-prone hillsides and flood-sensitive locations.
Closely monitor rivers, streams, and vulnerable mountain slopes.
Maintain continuous communication with disaster management agencies.
Issue timely public advisories whenever required.
Officials have also been asked to review district-level contingency plans to ensure a swift response in case of emergencies.
Rescue Teams Kept on Standby
The state government has ordered all emergency response agencies to remain fully prepared.
Teams placed on operational readiness include:
State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
Quick Response Teams (QRTs)
Home Guards
Fire and Emergency Services
Police personnel
Ambulance networks
Authorities have also verified the availability of essential supplies, including food grains, clean drinking water, medicines, fuel, and other emergency resources that may be required if weather conditions worsen.
Public Advisory Issued
The administration has appealed to residents and tourists to exercise maximum caution during the forecast period.
People have been advised to:
Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in mountainous areas.
Stay away from rivers, seasonal streams, and overflowing drains.
Refrain from crossing flooded roads or damaged bridges.
Follow official weather updates and district advisories.
Immediately report emergencies through State Helpline 1070 or District Helpline 1077.
Officials emphasized that precautionary measures taken in advance can significantly reduce risks during extreme weather events.
Lessons from the 2023 Monsoon Disaster
The latest warning has revived memories of the devastating monsoon season of 2023, when repeated episodes of torrential rainfall triggered landslides, flash floods, and infrastructure collapse across Himachal Pradesh.
During that season, prolonged heavy rainfall caused widespread destruction of roads, bridges, residential buildings, and public utilities. More than 550 people lost their lives, making it one of the worst natural disasters in the state’s recent history.
The government hopes that improved forecasting, stronger disaster preparedness, and quicker emergency response will help minimize damage if similar weather conditions develop this year.
Administration Urges Vigilance
With the IMD forecasting intense rainfall over the coming days, district administrations remain on alert and continue monitoring weather developments in coordination with disaster management agencies.
Authorities have reiterated that public cooperation, timely dissemination of information, and adherence to safety advisories will play a crucial role in preventing loss of life and reducing the impact of severe monsoon conditions.
Residents have been urged to stay informed through official weather bulletins and avoid venturing into vulnerable areas until conditions improve.