**Heavy Rainfall Disrupts Life in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand**
Heavy rainfall has caused significant disruptions in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, leading to a red alert for severe weather in various regions of Himachal Pradesh. In response to the forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall, the government has ordered the closure of all schools in the Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Solan districts for today. Tragically, three fatalities have been reported in Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours due to the adverse weather, raising the total death toll to 20 since the onset of the monsoon season.
The weather department has indicated that heavy to very heavy rains are expected to continue in the districts of Kangra, Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur until Monday evening. A red alert is issued when there is a significant risk of damage to life and property due to potential landslides and flooding.
In Uttarakhand, a 24-hour ban on the Char Dham Yatra was lifted on Monday after being suspended due to a major landslide in Barkot. Additionally, services on the Shimla-Kalka rail line were halted for several hours as crews worked to clear debris and fallen trees from the tracks following overnight rains.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that one person drowned in both the Una and Bilaspur districts, while another individual died after falling from a height in Shimla district. A landslide near Koti on the Shimla-Kalka national highway (NH-5), which connects Shimla and Chandigarh, caused damage to the roadway, resulting in a traffic jam stretching two to three kilometers for several hours.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced the arrival of the monsoon across the entire country, including Delhi, nine days earlier than expected. As of June 29, the monsoon has reached the remaining areas of Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and all of Delhi, surpassing the usual timeline of July 8. The early onset of the monsoon brought light to moderate rainfall across Delhi-NCR over the weekend, with reports of showers and gusty winds in various parts of the capital.
**Conclusion**
The heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand has led to significant disruptions, including school closures and travel delays. As the monsoon season progresses, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety.
**FAQ**
**What precautions should be taken during heavy rainfall?**
During heavy rainfall, it is essential to stay indoors, avoid traveling unless necessary, and keep emergency supplies on hand. Stay updated with weather alerts and follow local authorities’ guidance to ensure safety.
