CHANDIGARH: The Ministry of Earth Sciences has issued a flash flood alert for nine districts of Himachal Pradesh, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for very heavy to exceptionally heavy rainfall in some parts of the state.
Flash flood alert for July 22 covers Sirmaur, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Solan, Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts. District administrations have advised people to stay away from rivers, streams and areas prone to landslides and mudslides, and to avoid outdoor activities, especially hiking.
The IMD has also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall during the next few hours over parts of Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi districts.
Heavy rainfall, flash floods and increased melting of glaciers have severely affected road connectivity in Lahaul and Spiti district. A temporary bridge on the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi (SKTT) alternate route was left behind after a flash flood in Jahalama nullah, disrupting traffic between Keylong and Udaipur in Lahaul and Spiti district and Pangi valley in Chamba district.
The Bailey Bridge on SKTT’s main road was damaged a few weeks ago and is under construction. The road serves as a major link between Lahaul valley and Pangi.
With the removal of the temporary bridge, several villages in Udaipur subdivision have been cut off from the district headquarters at Keylong, affecting the movement of people, essential supplies and agricultural produce.
