Monsoon rains gained momentum across Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, bringing much-needed respite from the summer heat but also triggering alerts for heavy rainfall, possible flash floods, and landslides in several districts over the coming days. The state meteorological department has sounded an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain in five districts and yellow alerts in several others, warning both locals and tourists to stay vigilant and avoid vulnerable areas.
The monsoon, which advanced into most parts of the State over the past 48 hours, caused light to moderate rain in many areas, while a few regions experienced heavy downpours. Kangra received the highest rainfall at 37 mm, followed by Mandi (21.8 mm), Jot (21 mm), Murari Devi (13 mm), Hamirpur (7.5 mm), and Shimla and Sundernagar (3.6 mm each). In Sirmaur, torrential afternoon rain lashed Nohra Dhar, while Upper Shimla experienced a sudden cloudburst-like downpour that drenched the hill capital by late afternoon.
However, the downpours also brought devastation in parts of the State. In Lahaul-Spiti district, the Jahalma stream overflowed due to heavy rainfall, inundating Jasrath village’s farmlands and damaging standing crops. Rivers in the region are flowing above normal levels, raising concerns about potential flooding in low-lying areas. In Paonta Sahib, streets were submerged after hours of intense rainfall, affecting local traffic and businesses.
A tragic incident was reported from Kangra’s Shahpur subdivision, where a 46-year-old farmer, Vijay Kumar, was killed after being struck by lightning while working in his field with two others. The sudden weather change caught them unaware, marking the first monsoon-related casualty of the season in the State.
The maximum temperatures dropped sharply due to the rains, with Una recording the highest at 34.4 degree Celsius — three degrees below normal. Minimum temperatures remained slightly above normal, with Kukumseri recording 12.2 degree Celsius, Paonta Sahib 27 degree Celsius, and Bilaspur 26 degree Celsius.
The weather office issued a stern advisory warning of more intense spells between June 23 and 27, likely to cause landslides, flash floods, and road blockages, particularly in steep and vulnerable terrain. The orange alert is in effect for Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Hamirpur, while yellow alerts cover districts such as Sirmaur, Chamba, Una, Bilaspur, and Kullu.
Officials have urged residents and tourists to strictly avoid riverbanks, overflowing nullahs, and landslide-prone areas. “The combination of saturated soil and continuing rainfall raises the risk of slope failures and sudden surges in water levels,†a MeT official said.
According to the meteorological centre, if the current pace of the monsoon continues, it is expected to cover the entire state by Monday. However, the western disturbance is likely to weaken on June 24, offering a brief respite in some regions, before heavy rain returns on June 25 — with an orange alert in place for all districts except Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.
With the tourist season peaking, District Administrations have been instructed to remain on high alert. Emergency response teams are on standby, and travelers have been advised to check weather updates before heading to the hills.
