Monsoon likely to hit Himachal today

DHARAMSHALA: With the monsoon likely to hit Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department has issued a four-day yellow alert for heavy rainfall coupled with thunderstorms in 10 districts of the state, barring Kinnaur and Lahaul-spiti.

Shimla meteorological centre director Surender Paul said, “Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds blowing at a speed of 30- 40km/ hr are expected in the hill state between June 28 and July 1.”

“Heavy rainfall likely at isolated places in Bilaspur, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur on June 29 and Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi on June 30,” he said, adding that heavy rain, and squall may disrupt essential services, including water, power supply and communication.

Cautioning commuters, he said, “On these days visibility may be low and there is also a possibility of landslides.”

Farmers have been advised to make drainage channels in their fields and reschedule the spraying of pesticides and insecticides.

Meanwhile, the state government has directed district emergency response teams to remain on standby and keep alternate routes ready in case main highways are blocked due to landslides.

Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur said, “Monsoon wreaks havoc in Himachal every year. However, we are geared up for the season. Machinery has been sent to the landslide-prone areas. We will ensure that the apple season goes on smoothly and that tourists are not inconvenienced.”

Moderate to light showers were reported in some parts of the state on Monday morning, including in the state capital, Shimla. Jubbar Hatti received 43mm of rainfall, the highest in the state, followed by Jatton Barrage 35mm, Anu 29mm, Nahan 8mm, Shimla 4mm and Paonta Sahib 3mm. Una was the hottest at 37.6°C and Keylong was the coldest at 11.9°C.