Massive boulders fall on Chandigarh-Manali four-lane; heavy rain warning issued in Himachal
PTC Web Desk: Heavy rain lashed Shimla city on Friday afternoon, starting around 2.30 pm, following which the Meteorological Centre in Shimla issued an orange alert for the next four hours in Shimla and Sirmaur districts. The department has warned of intense downpours at isolated locations, potentially triggering landslides, flash floods, and waterlogging.
In Mandi district, large boulders rolled down onto the Chandigarh-Manali four-lane highway near Jhindi, temporarily halting traffic for around 30 minutes. Fortunately, no vehicles were hit. However, the incident led to long traffic snarls on both sides of the highway.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall across many parts of Himachal Pradesh over the next five days, with a significant increase in intensity on August 10 and 11 due to an active Western Disturbance.
Heavy rain is expected in Una, Kangra, Mandi, and Solan districts on August 10. For August 11, orange alert has been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi, where severe weather may lead to flash floods, landslides, and traffic disruptions. Residents have been advised to remain alert and avoid travel in vulnerable areas during this period.
On August 10, moderate to heavy rain is also likely in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur districts.
The ongoing monsoon season has claimed 202 lives in Himachal Pradesh. Out of these, 32 deaths have been attributed to flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides, while 94 persons lost their lives in road accidents. Additionally, 36 persons remain missing. The state has suffered an estimated Rs 1,952 crore in losses to public and private property due to heavy rainfall.
- With inputs from agencies
