Northern States Prepare for Heavy Rain as Monsoon Strengthens Over Weekend

As the monsoon season progresses, heavy rains are expected to hit the northern states of India, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh, over the weekend.

On Friday, Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, experienced a heavy downpour, while other parts of the state saw moderate rainfall. The southwest monsoon arrived in Himachal Pradesh on June 27. Last year, the state suffered significant damage to life and property due to severe rains.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated on Friday that the state government is fully prepared to handle any potential challenges during the monsoon season. He urged residents to stay cautious and avoid going near rivers and streams.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Shimla has forecasted that rain activity will increase from June 28, with widespread precipitation expected across the state. Light to moderate rain is anticipated in many low and mid-hill districts from June 28 to July 1.

The IMD also predicted isolated heavy rainfall in the districts of Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur from June 28 to June 30, with the heaviest rain expected on June 29 and 30. These rains may be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30-40 kilometers per hour in some areas.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the government has taken effective measures at various levels, and all departments have been instructed to stay alert and ready for any emergencies.

“The Disaster Management Authority is working with different departments to ensure preventive measures are in place. Adequate manpower and machinery have been deployed at vulnerable locations. Regular mock drills and disaster management training for field staff and officials are also being conducted,” he said in Shimla.

Last year, the state reported losses of over ₹12,000 crore due to an unprecedented monsoon that caused flash floods and landslides, leading the government to declare the state a ’natural calamity affected area.'

According to the IMD, conditions are expected to become favorable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon into the remaining parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh in the next 2-3 days.

Very heavy rainfall is expected in isolated areas of Haryana between June 29 and July 1, and in Punjab between June 30 and July 1. Meanwhile, Chandigarh is likely to experience heavy rainfall in isolated areas from June 28 to July 2, according to the IMD in Chandigarh.