Himachal, Aug 04 : Himachal Pradesh is likely to witness another spell of intense monsoon activity, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of possible flash floods and landslides in several parts of the state. The Shimla Meteorological Centre on Monday flagged a low flash flood risk for seven districts while urging residents to remain cautious as heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the coming days.
The weather office identified Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan among the districts vulnerable to flash flood activity until Tuesday morning. Officials said prolonged rainfall could trigger hazardous conditions in hilly terrain, particularly in areas already weakened by the ongoing monsoon.
An orange alert has been issued for isolated locations in Chamba, Kangra, Una, Solan, Sirmaur and Bilaspur, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall capable of causing significant disruption. In addition, a yellow alert remains in force across parts of the state until August 9, warning residents to stay updated as weather conditions may deteriorate further.
The meteorological department cautioned that the continuous rain could increase the risk of landslides in vulnerable regions. Rising water levels in rivers, streams and seasonal drains may also lead to flooding of low-lying areas, affecting road connectivity and daily life. Authorities have advised people to avoid riverbanks, landslide-prone stretches and unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall while following official traffic and weather advisories.
The impact of the rain has already been witnessed in several areas. In Shimla district’s Theog subdivision, a vehicle suffered damage after massive boulders rolled down a hillside during a rain-triggered landslide near Premghat. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
In Kullu district’s Nirmand area, debris cascading from a hill reportedly struck a government school building, causing structural damage. Officials are assessing the extent of the losses while monitoring the safety of nearby residents.
Meanwhile, a video circulating on social media from Chamba district highlighted the challenges posed by the monsoon. The clip shows bus staff placing iron angles across a damaged portion of the Luna–Chhatrari road in Bharmour to help the vehicle safely cross a washed-out section, underscoring the difficulties faced in maintaining transport links in remote regions.
Rainfall remained widespread across Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours. Poanta Sahib in Sirmaur district recorded the highest precipitation at 75.8 mm, followed by Naina Devi (68.2 mm), Una (57 mm), Kothi (35.2 mm), Murari Devi (33 mm), Rampur (30 mm), Dharamshala (28 mm), Gohar (22 mm) and Dadahu (20 mm).
Temperature variations also reflected the state’s diverse geography. Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti remained the coldest location with a minimum temperature of 12.4°C, while Hamirpur recorded the highest daytime temperature at 32.3°C.
The IMD’s colour-coded warning system classifies a yellow alert as an advisory to stay informed and remain prepared for changing weather conditions. An orange alert signals the possibility of severe weather capable of disrupting transportation, power supply and essential services, prompting authorities and residents to take precautionary measures.
With more rainfall forecast in the coming days, disaster management teams and local administrations are keeping a close watch on vulnerable areas as the monsoon continues to test infrastructure across Himachal Pradesh.