NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall for the next four days in the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. According to the IMD, there will be scattered to fairly widespread rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and isolated instances of heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh on August 15 and 16, and in Uttarakhand from August 15 to 19.

Additionally, Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet, has predicted moderate to heavy rain over the next two days in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. He has also cautioned that another heavy spell of rain is likely starting from August 20.

In response to the relentless rain, the Himachal Pradesh state government has ordered the closure of all schools and colleges on August 16 due to the continuous downpour. Himachal Pradesh University has also suspended teaching activities until August 19 and closed its library until August 20, while the teaching and non-teaching staff are expected to maintain their regular attendance.

In the midst of these weather conditions, a significant landslide occurred in Shimla's Summer Hill area. Search and rescue operations were promptly initiated, and while there are no immediate reports of casualties, the incident underscores the challenges faced due to the ongoing rain fury. The Indian Air Force carried out a daring rescue operation, airlifting 18 army personnel and equipment, following landslides in Shimla.

The region's distress continues, as numerous houses collapsed, cloudbursts struck, and road blockades emerged due to the torrential rains. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand experienced significant damage to buildings and properties as a result.

The Meteorological Department in Dehradun predicts light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, in various districts of Uttarakhand. Heavy rainfall is expected in isolated places, along with thunderstorms and lightning in several districts.

In the wake of these challenging circumstances, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) utilized innovative methods to rescue 52 people trapped in the Madmaheshwar valley in village Gaundar. Unfortunately, incidents of loss have also occurred, such as a house collapsing in Helang village, leading to the loss of one life while three others were saved.

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