Weather Alert: Warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Himachal today; Bailey bridge washed away in Kinnaur

July 20, 2026

The monsoon has once again turned ferocious in Himachal Pradesh. Amidst warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall issued by the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, normal life has been disrupted across several districts of the state. A ‘Red Alert’ has been issued for five districts for Monday and Tuesday (July 20-21), prompting the administration to take precautionary measures.

Key Alerts and Impact
According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, a Red Alert has been issued for the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmaur. Meanwhile, an ‘Orange Alert’ remains in effect for Una, Hamirpur, Shimla, and Solan, and a ‘Yellow Alert’ for Bilaspur, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti. In view of these warnings, the state government has directed all district administrations to immediately evacuate vulnerable houses located near rivers and streams.

Bailey Bridge Washed Away in Kinnaur
A Bailey bridge, approximately 110 feet long, was washed away by a flash flood in the Dumbar *Khad* (stream) near Ranikanda, beyond Chitkul in Kinnaur district. Consequently, traffic on the Chitkul-Dumti ​​road has come to a complete halt.

Schools and Colleges Closed in Kangra
Due to inclement weather and forecasts of heavy rain, a two-day holiday has been declared for all educational institutions in Kangra district. Additionally, four flights arriving in Kangra from Delhi and Noida were cancelled due to the bad weather. A *kutcha* (mud/temporary) house collapsed in the Raja Ka Talab area, while another building sustained damage in Sahouda.

Manimahesh Yatra Suspended in Chamba
In light of continuous rain and the risk of landslides in Chamba district, the administration has suspended the Manimahesh Yatra for three days. Security forces have been deployed at Hadsar. Around 200 pilgrims returning from the Kartik Swami temple were stranded for nearly nine hours near Dhanol on the Hadsar-Kugti route due to a landslide. The Chamba-Bharmour National Highway also remained blocked for several hours. Other losses: Construction materials for the Chanju-3 hydroelectric project were washed away by the strong currents of a ravine in the Churah region, and Forest Corporation sleepers worth crores of rupees were swept away in the Charda area.

Water level of the Chenab rises in Lahaul
Due to the rising water level of the Chenab River in Lahaul, the Jobrang Bridge remained submerged under approximately three feet of water from Saturday night until Sunday morning. Additionally, light to moderate rainfall was recorded in the Shimla, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Sirmaur districts.

The state government has appealed to the public to avoid going near rivers and streams, refrain from unnecessary travel, and strictly adhere to the advisories issued by the Meteorological Department and the district administration. This measure has been taken to prevent potential disasters and minimize the loss of life and property.