Himachal Pradesh issues orange alert for heavy rain and flash‑flood risk on July 6‑7

The Shimla Meteorological Centre in Himachal Pradesh has issued an orange alert for July 6 and July 7, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across low‑hill, plain and mid‑hill regions. Authorities highlighted an increased risk of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and waterlogging, and urged residents and tourists to avoid non‑essential travel on vulnerable mountain roads, stay away from swollen rivers and water bodies, and refrain from swimming or boating during intense rain.

State disaster‑management officials asked people to follow official weather bulletins and observe instructions from local administrations. Agricultural advisories included suspending irrigation, creating or deepening field drainage channels, and keeping livestock in covered shelters. The alert follows an unusually dry June, with the state recording a 36% rainfall deficit, prompting concerns as the monsoon is expected to intensify in the coming days.