Visuals from Himachal Pradesh indicate that the Beas river is at full capacity due to continuous heavy rainfall. This downpour has been ongoing throughout Thursday, as reported by news agency ANI. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the state, effective until August 2. This alert signifies the likelihood of severe weather conditions.
Cloudburst Incident and Casualties
In the Shimla district’s Rampur division, a cloudburst has led to significant damage. According to PTI, one person has died, and over 30 individuals are reported missing. Infrastructure has been affected, including roads and a hydro power project in the region. Rescue operations have been launched with the deployment of teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and state police.
Weather Forecast and Alerts
The IMD had forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning across most of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday. However, Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti districts were excluded from this prediction. A yellow alert has been issued for the following day, indicating the possibility of heavy rain in isolated areas. The current rainfall is expected to persist until August 6.
Risks and Warnings
The IMD has also warned of potential landslides and flash floods in vulnerable districts including Kullu, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, and Kinnaur. Kutcha houses and plantations in low-lying areas are at risk due to strong winds and waterlogging. In Kullu, a building was reported to have collapsed and been washed away by the Parvati River, as reported by PTI.
Impact on Infrastructure
Continuous rainfall has led to road closures across the state. The emergency operation center reports that 45 roads are currently closed, including 29 in Mandi, eight in Kullu, four in Shimla, and two each in Kangra and Kinnaur. Additionally, approximately 215 transformers have been disrupted, affecting power supply.
Economic Impact
The state has incurred significant losses amounting to ₹425 crore during the ongoing monsoon season. The previous spell of rainfall in early July also caused extensive damage, with 76 roads closed, 34 electricity supply schemes disrupted, and 69 water supply schemes affected.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the current alert status issued by the IMD for Himachal Pradesh?
- A) Yellow Alert
- B) Orange Alert
- C) Red Alert
- D) Green Alert
- How many people have been reported missing due to the cloudburst in Shimla district’s Rampur division?
- A) 10
- B) 20
- C) 30
- D) 40
- Which district is NOT included in the IMD’s warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday?
- A) Shimla
- B) Kinnaur
- C) Solan
- D) Kullu
- How many roads are currently closed in Mandi district due to the rainfall?
- A) 20
- B) 25
- C) 29
- D) 35
- What was the estimated financial loss suffered by Himachal Pradesh during the current monsoon season?
- A) ₹200 crore
- B) ₹325 crore
- C) ₹425 crore
- D) ₹500 crore