Heavy rain batters Himachal; Dense fog engulfs Shimla, IMD issues heavy rain alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall over the next four hours across Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, and Una districts, with isolated spells of heavy to very heavy rain likely in some areas.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as wet weather continues across the state.

The IMD has also issued an Orange Alert for the next four days, warning of heavy rainfall across parts of Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in a post on X, said that continuous heavy rainfall since last night had disrupted normal life in various districts of the state.

"Due to continuous heavy rainfall since last night in various districts of the state, normal life has been disrupted. Reports have come in of debris and water entering homes in the Ovdi Mohalla of Chamba district. In Shimla and several other places, landslides and falling rocks from the hills have affected roads and transportation," Sukhu said.

He said the state government was monitoring the situation and had directed officials to speed up road restoration, relief and rescue operations in the affected areas.

"The state government is continuously monitoring the situation. I have taken detailed information from officials and issued instructions to expedite road restoration, relief, and rescue operations in the affected areas, and to provide all possible assistance to the affected families," he said.

Sukhu further said that the weather department had warned of bad weather continuing for the next few days.

"The meteorological department has indicated the possibility of bad weather persisting for the next few days. In such circumstances, I appeal to all of you to stay away from rivers, streams, and areas prone to landslides, and to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the administration," Sukhu said. (ANI)