Introduction
In recent days, the state of Himachal Pradesh has been experiencing the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy. The cyclone has resulted in heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions across various regions of the state. Sadly, this severe weather has led to a tragic incident in Bathu Ki Ladi, located between Jwali Police Station and Pong Lake in Kangra. Two young men, Rajat and Sumit Kumar, lost their lives in a drowning accident while bathing in Pong Lake. This article aims to explore the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy in Himachal Pradesh and shed light on the unfortunate incident that occurred at Bathu Ki Ladi.
Impact of Cyclone Biparjoy on Himachal Pradesh
The impact of Cyclone Biparjoy in Himachal Pradesh has been significant, with heavy rainfall and inclement weather conditions affecting various parts of the state. On Sunday evening, several areas experienced intense rainfall, leading to challenges for both residents and tourists. In Dharamshala, a popular tourist city, the police and disaster management teams had to rescue 40 tourists due to the heavy rain. The Meteorological Department in Himachal Pradesh has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall over the next five days.
According to the Shimla center of the Meteorological Department, Kangra district, particularly Palampur, received 57 mm of rainfall in the past 12 hours. Dharamshala received 43.3 mm, and Naggera Suryan received 34 mm of rainfall during the same period. The weather in the state has remained unstable, with clouds covering Shimla and other districts. This inclement weather is expected to persist from June 19th to June 23rd, as indicated by the yellow alert issued.
Rainfall and Incidents in Various Districts
Before the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy, rainfall was already observed in several places across Himachal Pradesh. On the preceding Sunday, areas such as Kangra, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur experienced rainfall. Additionally, there were “Megha” showers, or cloud showers, in rural regions of Shimla, Una, and Sirmaur. These weather conditions created challenges for trekkers in McLeodganj, Dharamshala, where 14 individuals got stranded due to rising water levels in the Bhagsunag Nallah and near the Guna Mata Temple. Thankfully, local residents, police personnel, and NDRF teams worked together to rescue these stranded trekkers, with the police team successfully saving 10 individuals.
Disruptions in Transportation and Infrastructure
The severe weather associated with Cyclone Biparjoy has not only caused incidents but also led to disruptions in transportation and infrastructure. In Thiyog, Shimla district, the National Highway 5 near the Electricity Board Office got damaged, resulting in its closure on Sunday afternoon. As a consequence, the upper Shimla region lost its connection with the state capital, causing inconvenience for a large number of people. The affected highway connects Rampur with Shimla, passing through Theog, Kotkhai, Kumarsain, and Narkanda. Alternative routes are being used to divert traffic. It is crucial for travelers to stay updated with the latest information regarding road closures and alternative routes.
