Shimla, August 2: Himachal Pradesh remains under a low to moderate flash flood risk over the next 24 hours, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) identifying Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla and Sirmaur as vulnerable districts.
According to the National Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin issued at 1 pm on Sunday, a low to moderate flash flood risk is likely over some watersheds and neighbourhoods of these districts till 11.30 am on August 3.
The bulletin cautioned that surface runoff or inundation could occur in fully saturated soils and low-lying areas following expected rainfall.
The warning comes amid significant soil saturation across areas under concern. The bulletin said rainfall of up to 30 mm in the preceding six hours and up to 70 mm in 24 hours had been recorded over some affected watersheds, while the land surface model indicated soil saturation of 70–95 per cent in some watersheds. Forecast models indicate rainfall of up to 80 mm during the next 24 hours.
However, there was no flash flood threat observed during the preceding six hours, and the bulletin also assessed that no persistent flash flood threat was likely during the next six hours up to 5.30 pm on August 2.
The IMD has simultaneously flagged flash flood risks in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Coastal Karnataka, Kerala and South Interior Karnataka.
The Himachal warning covers five districts, underlining the need for close monitoring of vulnerable watersheds, streams, low-lying areas and locations where soils are already saturated.I can also make this more alarmist and HimbuMail-style with a sharper headline, deck and stronger local angle if you want.
