Shimla, September 19: : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall in parts of Himachal Pradesh over the next few days, though no heavy rain alert has been issued. Officials said isolated places may receive rain between September 19 and 24, while plains are expected to remain dry from September 21 to 23. High hill areas are likely to see dry weather from September 19, while mid-hills may experience light showers until September 24.
According to IMD, maximum temperatures are unlikely to change significantly over the next 24 hours but could gradually rise by 2–3 degrees Celsius during the following three to four days. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain steady. In the last 24 hours, monsoon activity was active across the state, with light to moderate rain at many locations and heavy to very heavy rain at a few isolated spots.
Pong Dam water above danger level
The water level in Pong Dam continued to remain above its maximum capacity of 1,390 feet, measuring 1,394.84 feet at 5 pm on Thursday. According to SDM Indora in Kangra district, the inflow stood at 52,313 cusecs while the outflow was 59,845 cusecs.
Located on the Beas river near the Shivalik hills in Kangra district, close to the Punjab border, Pong Dam has been receiving heavy inflows from its catchment areas in Kangra, Mandi and Kullu, which have witnessed persistent rainfall in recent days.
The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported 606 roads blocked across the state, including two national highways—NH-3 and NH-305. National Highway 5 (NH-5) in Nigulsari, closed after a landslide on Wednesday, was restored on Thursday morning, reconnecting 73 cut-off panchayats in Kinnaur district. However, restoration work was slowed by shooting stones.
Along with road closures, 228 power distribution transformers and 221 water supply schemes have been disrupted. Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, the cumulative death toll has risen to 424. Of these, 242 people died in rain-related incidents such as landslides and flash floods, while 182 were killed in road accidents. The state has declared itself a disaster-affected region under the Disaster Management Act in view of widespread destruction.
Meanwhile, a Geological Survey of India (GSI) team has started a preliminary post-disaster assessment at Inner Akhara Bazar in Kullu, where twin landslides recently claimed nine lives and injured three others, one of them critically. The GSI scientists clarified that the visit is focused on suggesting immediate remedial measures. A detailed study will be carried out once the Himachal government compiles a list of landslide-hit and vulnerable sites across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said efforts to restore disaster-hit schemes are progressing on a war footing in Dharampur Assembly constituency. “Already 48 schemes have been partially restored. All schemes will be fully functional shortly, ensuring smooth water supply to the general public,” he said.
