Weather Forecast

The meteorological department has forecast light to moderate rainfall at a few places across Himachal Pradesh on August 23 and 24, with light rain likely at isolated places during the remaining days of the week. No weather alert has been issued for the coming week, according to The Times of India. In contrast, The Tribune reported that a yellow alert has been issued for Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts, where light rain is likely to continue through the day, while weather is expected to remain generally clear in the rest of the state.

Moderate rainfall lashed several parts of the hill state on Friday and Saturday, as reported by The Times of India. Kangra district recorded the highest rainfall at 36.3 mm, followed by Hamirpur with 18.1 mm. Mandi received 14 mm, Chamba 6.9 mm, Shimla 3.3 mm, Kullu 3 mm, and Kinnaur 1.6 mm.

Temperature Extremes

Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti was the coldest place in the state with a minimum temperature of 11.2 degrees Celsius, while Una was the hottest with a maximum of 33.8 degrees Celsius, according to The Times of India.

Road Blockages and Infrastructure Disruptions

Following the rains, roads have been blocked across the state, though reports vary on the total count. As of Saturday evening, The Times of India reported 98 roads remained blocked, citing official estimates. The Tribune, citing the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), reported 121 roads blocked, with a district-wise breakdown: 61 in Mandi, 31 in Kullu, eight in Kangra, seven in Chamba, five in Sirmour, four each in Shimla and Una, and one in Lahaul and Spiti.

Infrastructure disruptions have also been significant. The Times of India said 89 electricity transformers and 42 water supply schemes were out of order, naming Mandi as the worst hit with 42 blocked roads and Kullu 31. The Tribune reported 31 disrupted transformers, 18 in Kullu, nine in Mandi, three in Kangra, and one in Shimla, along with 19 disrupted water supply schemes, 14 in Hamirpur, four in Shimla, and one in Kangra.

Cumulative Losses and Casualties

According to official estimates cited by The Times of India, Himachal Pradesh has suffered cumulative losses exceeding Rs 1,121 crore between June 30 and August 22. During that period, 224 deaths were recorded in the state from various causes, including 133 in road accidents.