Himachal Pradesh School Holiday: Leave Announced As Heavy Rainfall Triggers IMD Red Alert In 4 Districts | Shimla News
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Heavy rainfall and an IMD red alert have shut schools across four Himachal Pradesh districts. Authorities have also suspended the Mani Mahesh Yatra and issued flood warnings
Himachal Pradesh Weather Update: The administration has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers, streams and ravines, and contact the District Disaster Control Room on toll-free number 1077 in case of emergencies.
Himachal Pradesh Weather News: Amid an IMD red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, the Himachal Pradesh government has ordered the closure of all educational institutions in four districts as a precautionary measure. Schools, colleges, universities, vocational and technical institutes, ITIs, DIETs, Anganwadi centres, and private daycare centres will remain closed in Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur. The closure applies to both government and private institutions.
In Kangra district, all educational institutions will remain closed on Tuesday, July 21, following the IMD’s red alert. Examinations scheduled for July 21 have been postponed, while non-teaching staff have also been directed to remain off duty.
In Mandi district, Deputy Commissioner Apruv Devgan announced that all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, vocational training institutes, ITIs, DIETs, Anganwadis and private daycare centres, will remain closed on July 21. The order also applies to teachers and other staff.
Notably, schools in Himachal Pradesh that observe summer vacations are already on a month-long monsoon break.
IMD Predicts Extremely Heavy Rainfall Across Himachal Pradesh
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across the state over the next two days, prompting the administration to remain on high alert.
The IMD has issued a red alert for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur, where extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely in Una, Hamirpur and Shimla, while Bilaspur and Solan may receive heavy rainfall. Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti are expected to witness moderate to heavy rain.
Rainfall Forecast For July 22
Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been predicted for Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur, while Bilaspur, Chamba, Kullu, Solan and Shimla are expected to receive heavy rainfall.
Flash Floods Damage Roads And Bridge In Kinnaur
Continuous rainfall has already triggered flash floods and landslides across several districts.
A flash flood in the Tumbar Khad between Chitkul and Dumti in Kinnaur district washed away a bridge, cutting off road connectivity to the strategically important border region. The bridge debris was swept into the Baspa River following flash floods in the Ranikanda Tumbar Khad on Sunday evening.
Earlier, flash floods near the ITBP camp in Rakcham blocked the Sangla-Chitkul road, causing extensive damage and soil erosion. Officials said no casualties were reported, while restoration work is underway.
Landslides Disrupt Highways
Heavy rain has also triggered landslides, disrupting road connectivity in several parts of the state.
The Pathankot-Bharmaur National Highway has been closed following landslides and debris accumulation near Bhatti Hatti (Kumnala) and Durgathi.
Another landslide near Paniyala Nallah on the Chamba-Shimla Highway (via Sihunta) has also blocked traffic.
Mani Mahesh Yatra Suspended
The ongoing Mani Mahesh Yatra has been suspended in Bharmour, Chamba, with authorities prohibiting pilgrims from travelling beyond Handsar until weather conditions improve.
Administration On high alert
Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant has directed all Deputy Commissioners to keep District Emergency Operation Centres functional round the clock. Officials have been instructed to identify vulnerable locations prone to landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts, while ensuring Quick Response Teams (QRTs), SDRF, NDRF, Home Guards, police, fire services, ambulances and emergency supplies remain on standby.
In Sirmaur, Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Verma said heavy rainfall is expected over the next two days, with a red alert in place. She said officials at district and subdivision levels have been directed to remain vigilant and respond swiftly to emergencies.
The administration has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers, streams and ravines, and contact the District Disaster Control Room on toll-free number 1077 in case of emergencies.
Jammu And Kashmir Extends School Holidays
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir government has extended summer vacations for all government and recognised private schools in the Kashmir Division and the winter zones of the Jammu Division.
School Education Minister Sakina Itoo said schools will remain closed until July 22 in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
What Qualifies As Very Heavy Rainfall?
According to the IMD:
- Very heavy rainfall: 115.6 mm to 204.5 mm in 24 hours
- Extremely heavy rainfall: More than 204.5 mm in 24 hours, often associated with cloudburst-like conditions.
The districts most affected by the Himachal Pradesh red alert for heavy rainfall are Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmaur. These districts are expected to experience very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
Shimla, India, India
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