Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Himachal largely dry amid scattered rains; orange alert issued
The weather in Himachal Pradesh, a state in India, was mostly dry this week, with only a little rain falling in some places.
The weather department warned that heavy rain could come in some areas on August 14, 17, and 18.
Many roads in the state are still closed because of earlier rain and floods.
In one area, lightning struck a flock of sheep and goats while they were resting, and more than 200 of them sadly died.
The herders were sleeping in a nearby shed, so they were safe.
Heavy rain in the past few days also damaged water supply schemes and power transformers.
Since the rainy season began in June, 77 people have died from rain-related problems.
The state has lost a lot of money because of all the damage.
Government officials are now checking the damage and will give compensation to people who lost animals.
More wet weather is expected until August 17.
Himachal Pradesh remained largely dry with light to moderate rain at only a few places, with Dharamshala recording 52 mm of rain in 24 hours.
The Shimla Meteorological Centre issued an orange alert for heavy rain at isolated places on August 14, 17 and 18.
A total of 136 roads remained closed in the state, with Mandi (48) and Kullu (37) recording the highest numbers.
More than 200 sheep and goats died after being struck by lightning in the Rupi Kande area of Kinnaur district, and a team was dispatched to assess the damage.
Since the monsoon began on June 30, 77 people have died in rain-related incidents, and the state has suffered losses amounting to Rs 955 crore.
- Who
- Residents of Himachal Pradesh, including herders in Kinnaur district whose animals were killed by lightning, and state officials assessing damage.
- What
- Scattered light rain with an orange alert for heavy rain, 136 closed roads, disrupted water and power services, and a lightning strike killing over 200 sheep and goats.
- When
- August 13 (Thursday), with heavy rain alerts issued for August 14, 17 and 18; monsoon impacts counted since June 30.
- Where
- Himachal Pradesh, India, including Kinnaur, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, and Lahaul and Spiti districts.
- Why
- Monsoon weather conditions brought rain, flash floods, and lightning strikes across the state.
- Orange alert dates
- August 14, 17 and 18
- Highest 24-hour rainfall
- Dharamshala - 52 mm
- Closed roads
- 136 (Mandi 48, Kullu 37, Shimla 26)
- Disrupted services
- 242 water supply schemes and 9 power transformers
- Livestock killed by lightning
- Over 200 sheep and goats (Rupi Kande, Kinnaur)
- Rain-related deaths since June 30
- 77 (14 in landslides, 1 in flash floods)
- State losses
- Rs 955 crore
- Coldest and hottest places
- Kukumseri 10.3°C; Una 36.2°C