Heavy rain affected various regions of Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, on the evening of July 27. Reports indicate that the downpour triggered landslides and flash floods, which led to significant disruptions in transportation, water supply, and power infrastructure across the state.

In Chamba district, landslides reportedly caused extensive damage, burying approximately a dozen vehicles beneath debris and impacting homes in nearby residential areas. The state emergency operation centre documented that over 108 roads were closed due to these weather-related incidents.

Additionally, 38 water supply schemes and nine transformers were affected, resulting in widespread inconvenience for residents. Emergency services are currently mobilising to manage the situation and restore essential services.

Warnings Issued by Meteorological Department

On July 28, the Meteorological Department issued warnings regarding a moderate flash-flood risk in certain watersheds and neighbourhoods. Areas at risk include Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan, valid for the next 24 hours. The department has advised residents to remain vigilant and heed weather warnings for their safety.

The Shimla Met office has also declared an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated regions within four to five districts, effective until July 30 and again from August 3. The department has warned that inundation may occur in low-lying areas as soils are fully saturated, emphasising the importance of avoiding proximity to rivers and streams.

Sandeep Kumar Sharma, a scientist at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, noted that peak rainfall activities are anticipated between the late hours of July 29 and July 31, during which various locations may experience continued light to moderate rain, interspersed with heavy downpours.

Localised Flooding and Emergency Responses

In Bhariad village, families were forced to evacuate their homes as seasonal rivulets unexpectedly changed course due to the intense rainfall. Overflowing streams further complicated the situation, resulting in significant disruption to local residents’ lives.

Reports indicate that a landslide near Bhariad, located on the Udaipur-Golthi-Navodaya road, resulted in a dozen vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, being buried under debris. The accumulation of debris obstructed roads and infiltrated residential areas as well.

Strong currents from the Tadoli Nallah severely damaged infrastructure, with large boulders entering a store and ultimately destroying it. The Sultanpur Nallah also swelled dangerously, exacerbating the challenges faced by the affected residents.

Over the past 24 hours, rainfall has persisted across various regions in Himachal Pradesh. Jot in Chamba recorded 137.8 mm of rain, while other notable figures included Naina Devi with 118 mm and Murari Devi with 83 mm. Shimla recorded 58.2 mm, highlighting the extensive nature of this weather event.

As a result of the weather disruptions, the Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited indicated that water supply might be affected for several days, primarily due to transformer failure at stage-2 of the Satluj Water Supply Project and flooding at alternative water sources. Thus far, it has been reported that landslides and flash floods during the ongoing monsoon season, which commenced on June 30, have led to at least 15 fatalities in Himachal Pradesh.

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