Himachal reels under heavy rain, orange alert issued in four districts

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Yog Raj Sharma

The North News

Shimla, September 3

Himachal Pradesh continues to face relentless monsoon rains, with an orange alert issued on Tuesday for four districts — Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur and Kinnaur. A yellow alert remains in place for Una and Bilaspur, while officials expect a respite from September 4.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, rainfall during this monsoon has been 42% above normal, with Shimla district recording the highest increase at 107%. “Except for Lahaul-Spiti, all 11 districts have received excess rainfall this season,” said scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma.

The educational institutions in Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Kullu, Bilaspur, Kangra and Chamba were closed as a precaution. The combined effect of the monsoon and western disturbances has caused severe damage across the state. So far, 341 people have died during the monsoon season, with losses estimated at ₹3,000 crore. At least 1,155 roads, including seven national highways, remain blocked. Additionally, 2,477 electricity transformers and 760 water supply schemes are out of service.

The extreme weather has also disrupted recruitment exams. Document verification for police constable candidates from Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur and Kinnaur has been rescheduled to September 28–29 in Shimla, instead of earlier this month.