Severe weather activity has hit the state of Himachal Pradesh, for 2nd time in this season. The same pockets and locations have been ravaged by extreme weather conditions. Monsoon fury touches new high once again, punishing the lower and mid reaches. Foothills also experienced desolating weather activity ruining life and assets. Major relief is unlikely for the next 2-3 days.
Mountainous terrain remain always susceptible to sensitive weather activity during the monsoon season. Small trigger suffices to develop tall clouds, confined to small areas, resulting cloud burst without much notice. Seasonal monsoon trough is positioned north of its normal position, close to the foothills. Popularly, termed as ‘break monsoon’ condition, but quite favourable for intense weather activity all along the foothills of Himalayas. The disruptive weather may not be simultaneous all along the stretch and leaves gaps and changes locations as well.
Mandi, Sundernagar, Bilaspur and Hamirpur have been aligned along the trough and therefore at risk of heavy weather activity. Mandi and Sundernagar have received 350-400mm of rainfall in the last 3 days, the heaviest being in the last 24hours. Dharamsala, in the Shivalik range had a deluge of 250mm in the last 24hours. Heavy rainfall has spilled over to lower hills of Uttrakhand also. Danger is not yet over for both the states as the trough line remain favourably located far north of its normal position.
Adverse weather activity has claimed many lives in and around the capital city Shimla, due to massive landslides. Chandigarh-Manali highway has hit roadblock and closed till further orders. Cloud bursts at some places has sent rivers in spate. Bhakra Nangal dam is full to it capacity and therefore led to opening of flood gates, worsening the situation further. River Beas has turned violent once again jeopardizing either side of bank and flooding the vulnerable areas along its track.
Monsoon trough is unlikely to change its position and remain far to the north of normal position. Many places in the state remain at risk. These include Dharamsala, Kangra, Palampur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Sundernagar, Bilaspur, Solan, Una and Nahan. All the water bodies are already saturated. Anymore rainfall, overflowing of rivers and release of water from the dams and reservoirs may lead to anxious moments for the disaster and relief agencies for the next few days. Exercise utmost caution.
