Heavy rains continued to batter Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, causing the Beas River to swell significantly, as reported by news agency ANI. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the region, forecasting that the monsoon activity is expected to intensify until August 2.
In the Rampur division of Shimla district, a cloudburst has resulted in one fatality and left over 30 individuals missing, according to the sources. The torrential rains have also damaged roads and a hydroelectric project in the affected area. Rescue operations are underway with the deployment of teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and state police.
The IMD had anticipated heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, across most districts of Himachal Pradesh, excluding Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti. A yellow alert has been issued for Friday, predicting heavy rainfall in isolated locations. The current rainfall pattern is expected to persist until August 6.
The weather agency has cautioned about the potential for landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas, particularly in Kullu, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, and Kinnaur districts. Additionally, kutcha houses and plantations in low-lying areas have been warned about possible damage from strong winds and waterlogging. The Sources reported that a building in Kullu was swept away by the fierce Parvati River.
Ongoing rainfall has led to the closure of numerous roads, increasing the risk of landslides. As of now, 45 roads are closed, including 29 in Mandi, eight in Kullu, four in Shimla, and two each in Kangra and Kinnaur. The power supply has been significantly affected, with around 215 transformers disrupted.
The state has incurred damages amounting to approximately ₹425 crore this monsoon season. During the previous active rain period in early July, 76 roads were shut, and disruptions were reported in 34 electricity supply schemes and 69 water supply schemes.