Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is set to witness another spell of widespread rainfall as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rain across several parts of the state until August 11. With the southwest monsoon remaining active and weather conditions favourable, the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has issued an Orange Alert for heavy rainfall in five districts over the next two days, while warning of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in many areas.
According to the latest weather forecast released on Friday evening, widespread rainfall is expected across Himachal over the next six days. The department has also predicted strong surface winds of 30–40 kmph in the tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti from August 7 to 13. In addition, isolated areas in the lower and mid-hill regions are likely to experience lightning accompanied by gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph.
The weather remained overcast with intermittent rain in Shimla and several other parts of the state on Friday, with the ongoing monsoon continuing to affect daily life.
The Meteorological Department has warned of a high probability of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in the mid-hills and adjoining lower hill and plain areas on August 10 and 11.
A Yellow Alert has been issued for parts of Kangra, Sirmaur and Mandi districts on August 8, while Una, Kangra, Sirmaur and Mandi will remain under a Yellow Alert on August 9.
For August 10, an Orange Alert has been sounded for Kangra, Sirmaur, Kullu and Mandi districts. A Yellow Alert has also been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Shimla, Solan and Kinnaur districts. On August 11, the Orange Alert will remain in force for Chamba, Mandi, Sirmaur and Kullu, while Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Shimla, Solan and Kinnaur will continue under a Yellow Alert.
Rain Disrupts Roads, Power and Water Supply
Heavy rainfall has once again disrupted normal life across Himachal Pradesh. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) report issued at 10 a.m. on Friday, 145 roads across the state remain closed, 224 electricity distribution transformers (DTRs) are non-functional, and 14 drinking water supply schemes have been affected.
Mandi district has been hit the hardest, with 66 roads blocked and 182 transformers out of service. Kullu district has reported 31 road closures and 31 damaged transformers.
Road connectivity has also been affected in Sirmaur (28 roads), Shimla (12), Kangra (5), Una (2) and Kinnaur (1). In Kinnaur, traffic movement has been disrupted due to the closure of the Chaura–Chhota Kamba link road.
Power supply has suffered major disruptions, particularly in Mandi and Kullu districts. Besides these, seven transformers have failed in Shimla and three in Solan. Drinking water infrastructure has also taken a hit, with Shimla district reporting the highest impact, where five water supply schemes have been disrupted.
Monsoon Death Toll Reaches 142
The cumulative monsoon damage report released by the state government highlights the growing impact of the season. Between June 30 and August 6, 2026, the monsoon has claimed 142 lives and left 224 people injured across Himachal Pradesh.
During the same period, losses to public and private property have mounted to nearly ₹797.86 crore.
Among government departments, the Public Works Department (PWD) has suffered the highest financial losses, followed by the Electricity, Jal Shakti, Education, Rural Development, and other departments. Extensive damage has also been reported to private properties, residential houses, as well as the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
With heavy rainfall expected to continue over the coming days, authorities have urged residents, especially those living in landslide-prone and low-lying areas, to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, and follow advisories issued by the administration and the Meteorological Department.
