Cloudburst and Heavy Rain Wreak Havoc in Mandi
IMD issues flood warning for Himachal districts; Orange alert for heavy rainfall until July 6
Shimla: Heavy rain and a sudden cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on Monday have caused widespread damage, triggering landslides, flash floods, and property loss. Several areas in the district remain cut off due to blocked roads and overflowing streams.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the next 24 hours are critical for parts of Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts. The department has issued a moderate flood warning, citing the risk of water level rise in rivers and nullahs due to continuous rainfall.
The sudden cloudburst near the outskirts of Mandi town damaged multiple homes and washed away small bridges and vehicles. Local authorities have deployed disaster response teams and advised residents in vulnerable zones to evacuate or stay on alert. The IMD has further issued an orange alert for July 3, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Himachal Pradesh. Rainfall activity is expected to continue across the state till at least July 6, with increasing chances of landslides and road blockages in the hilly terrain.
State emergency control centers have been activated, and tourists have been asked to avoid travel to higher altitudes until the weather stabilizes. Rescue teams are working to clear debris and restore essential services. This weather disruption comes as part of the monsoon surge across North India, which has already affected several states with flash floods and record-breaking rainfall. Officials are monitoring the situation closely, and further alerts will be issued as needed.