Shimla, Jul 16 (PTI) The meteorological department here on Thursday issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in five districts of Himachal Pradesh from July 19 to 22, warning of landslides, flash floods and waterlogging.
The orange alert has been issued for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts as a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from July 19, the Met office said.
Torrential rains in the past few days have led to closure of 50 roads in the state as on Thursday evening according to the state emergency operation centre (SEOC).
So far 53 landslides and three flash floods have been reported in the state since the onset of the monsoon season since on June 30.
Himachal Pradesh has received 124.5 mm of rain against normal rainfall of 119.2, an excess of four percent till July 16.
The Met predicted a wet spell in Himachal Pradesh till July 22 and advised people to follow weather alerts and traffic advisories and avoid going to vulnerable areas and water bodies.
The department warned of the possibility of landslides, mudslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas. It also said that water level and flow in rivers and other water bodies are likely to increase, which could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas.
The weather remained largely dry across the state during the past 24 hours ending Thursday morning, with Sarahan in Shimla district recording 7.5 mm of rainfall.
Kukumseri recorded the state’s lowest minimum temperature at 9.8 degrees Celsius, while Una was the hottest during the day with a maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius.
An orange alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) means “be prepared” for extremely bad weather that could disrupt daily life. PTI BPL NB NB
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