23 Roads Closed Amid Warning for Heavy Rainfall: Himachal Pradesh Faces Severe Weather Challenges

Despite three days of mostly dry weather in Himachal Pradesh, 23 roads closed across the state amid the Warning for Heavy Rainfall, underscoring the ongoing challenges locals face. The Meteorological Department issued a serious warning on Wednesday for heavy rainfall in Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts, along with a ‘yellow’ alert for thunderstorms and lightning across six districts on Wednesday and Thursday. These conditions will likely worsen the situation, with 10 roads currently closed in Kangra, six in Mandi, four in Kullu, two in Shimla, and one in Sirmaur. Additionally, nine power supply schemes have been disrupted, adding to the growing concerns.

21% Rain Deficit and Rising Temperatures Across the State

Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a substantial 21% rain deficit from June 1 to September 24, having received just 573.7 mm of rainfall compared to the usual 723.1 mm. This shortfall has been most severe in Lahaul and Spiti, with a staggering 69% deficit, followed by Una at 35%, Chamba at 34%, and Hamirpur at 31%. Even the relatively better-off districts like Solan, Kinnaur, Kangra, and Sirmaur have seen deficits, with only Shimla experiencing a 15% surplus.

Compounding the issue, maximum temperatures have soared, climbing three to eight degrees Celsius above normal across the state. Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti saw a dramatic rise to 25.9 degrees, Kalpa hit 25.2 degrees, and Una sweltered at 38.6 degrees, making it the hottest spot in the region. Other areas like Solan, Bhuntar, Dharamshala, and Shimla also experienced significantly higher temperatures than usual, exacerbating concerns about the changing climate.

Monsoon Season Tragedy: Lives Lost and Financial Losses

Minimum temperatures in Himachal Pradesh have soared two to five degrees above normal, with Paonta Sahib and Dehra Gopipur enduring the highest nighttime temperatures at 26.0 degrees. The ongoing monsoon season has taken a tragic toll, with 177 lives lost due to rain-related incidents and 31 people still unaccounted for. The state has already faced staggering financial losses, amounting to Rs 1,331 crore.