SHIMLA/DEHRADUN, AUGUST 3: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a flash-flood risk alert for vulnerable watersheds and neighbourhoods across Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, warning of possible surface runoff and localised inundation in saturated and low-lying areas during the next 24 hours.
In Himachal Pradesh, the areas under watch include Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan districts.
In Uttarakhand, the alert covers Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Dehradun, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal and Uttarkashi districts.
The IMD has assessed a low flash-flood risk over some watersheds and neighbourhoods in these areas up to 0530 IST on August 4.
The warning comes against the backdrop of significant rainfall accumulation. The bulletin recorded rainfall of up to 42 mm in six hours and up to 106 mm in 24 hours over some watersheds and neighbourhoods in the areas of concern.
Land-surface modelling showed that some watersheds were already 85–95 per cent saturated, increasing the potential for rapid surface runoff if additional heavy rainfall occurs.
The IMD forecasting models have further indicated very heavy rainfall of up to 141 mm during the next 24 hours, raising the vulnerability of saturated catchments in both Himalayan states.
The bulletin said no flash-flood threat had been observed during the preceding six hours up to 0530 IST on August 3, while no persistent flash-flood threat was expected during the subsequent six hours up to 1130 IST.
However, the IMD cautioned that surface runoff and inundation may occur over fully saturated soils and low-lying areas due to expected rainfall during the next 24 hours.
Residents in vulnerable locations, particularly those near rivers, streams, seasonal rivulets and drainage channels, have been urged to remain alert and closely monitor local conditions.
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