Red Alert Issued for Three Himachal Pradesh Districts Amid Torrential Rains
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the districts of Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh due to ongoing heavy rainfall. The severe weather has already caused multiple landslides, blocking key roads, including the highway connecting Mandi and Kullu. Authorities are on high alert as rising water levels and the risk of further landslips pose a significant threat to life and property in the vulnerable Himalayan state, with more heavy rain forecast.
Unpacked:
A red alert is the highest weather warning issued by the IMD, indicating extremely heavy rainfall is expected, with a very high risk to life and property. Residents are advised to take precautions, avoid travel, and follow instructions from authorities as severe flooding, landslides, and disruptions are likely.
Heavy rainfall events have become more frequent in Himachal Pradesh, with 292 such incidents recorded in 2023 alone. Unprecedented rains in 2023 led to widespread landslides, floods, and significant damage, making last year one of the severest in recent history for the state.
Authorities typically issue weather warnings, close vulnerable roads, evacuate residents from high-risk zones, deploy disaster response teams, and set up temporary shelters. They also monitor water levels and landslide-prone areas to respond quickly to emergencies and minimize casualties and property loss.
Himachal Pradesh lies in the fragile Himalayan region with steep slopes, loose soil, and extensive road construction, making it prone to landslides, especially after heavy rainfall. Intense precipitation saturates the ground, destabilizing slopes and triggering landslips, which are common in the monsoon season.