Himachal Pradesh on Red Alert Amid Heavy Rainfall and Flood Threats

Mandi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Himachal Pradesh due to intense rainfall, which has caused severe flooding in the Beas River, sparking concern among authorities.

On Sunday, IMD forecast light to moderate rain across many parts of the state, including Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Kangra. Isolated areas may also experience very intense downpours. Additionally, Kullu, Una, and Chamba districts are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall, while isolated showers are likely in Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti over the next 3–4 hours.

Earlier, on June 26, IMD issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall from June 29, warning of flash floods, river surges, and landslides in several districts.

Senior IMD scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma told ANI that widespread rainfall had been recorded in the past 24 hours. Palampur saw the highest rainfall at 76 mm, followed by Banjar with 75 mm, and Sirmaur with 55 mm. He advised residents and tourists to avoid rivers and steep slopes, emphasizing the risk of landslides.

While June 28 was expected to bring brief relief, IMD warned that the rain would intensify again on June 29 and 30. An orange alert has been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, and Sirmaur during this period, with significant rainfall likely in Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla as well.

Weather alerts and updates are being disseminated through SMS and shared with the State Disaster Management Authority and other relevant agencies. The IMD has issued a public advisory urging people in vulnerable areas to exercise extreme caution.