Heavy Rain Forces School Closures in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur and Solan Districts

Relentless monsoon rains across Himachal Pradesh prompted the India Meteorological Department to issue alerts for extremely heavy rain, flash floods and landslides in the Sirmaur and Solan districts. In response, Deputy Commissioners ordered the closure of all government and private schools, colleges and Anganwadis on July 10, with staff required to remain on duty for emergency work. The heaviest rainfall was recorded in Pachhad (207 mm), followed by Nahan (158.5 mm) and Kasauli (145 mm). Roads were severely affected, with dozens of link roads blocked and 34 roads closed in Sirmaur alone. No human casualties were reported, though an ox died after slipping into a gorge. Authorities warned residents to avoid swollen rivers and streams. Precautionary measures, including evacuation of an ITI campus and reinforcement of retaining walls, were taken to safeguard lives, especially those of schoolchildren.