Himachal Pradesh on Red Alert as Heavy Rain Forces School Closures, Flash Flood Disrupts Border Route

Himachal Pradesh has been placed on red alert after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several districts. As a precaution, all government and private educational institutions in Kangra district will remain closed on July 20 and 21.

Meanwhile, a flash flood in Kinnaur district has caused major damage to a strategic road and bridge, disrupting connectivity to forward posts of the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) near the Tibet border.

Schools and Colleges Closed in Kangra

Following the IMD's red alert, Kangra District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner Hem Raj Bairwa ordered the closure of:

• Government and private schools
• Colleges
• Vocational and technical institutes
• Anganwadi centres
• Creches
• Central University of Himachal Pradesh
• Sanskrit University at Balyahar

The administration has also postponed examinations scheduled for July 20 and 21.

Teaching and non-teaching staff have been granted leave but may be called upon for emergency and disaster management duties if required.

Flash Flood Damages Strategic Border Route

A high-intensity flash flood struck Tubar Nallah near Rani Kanda on the Sangla-Chitkul route in Kinnaur district.

The flood:

• Damaged a key bridge.
• Washed away sections of the road.
• Blocked the route connecting the Tibet border region with Uttarakhand via Chitkul.

Officials said the road is strategically significant because it is used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies to forward posts of the Army and ITBP near the international border.

Red Alert Issued for Multiple Districts

The meteorological department has issued:

Monday (July 20):

• Chamba
• Kangra
• Mandi
• Sirmaur

Tuesday (July 21):

• Chamba
• Kangra
• Kullu
• Mandi
• Sirmaur

According to the weather office:

• Very heavy rainfall refers to 115.6 mm to 204.5 mm of rain in 24 hours.
• Extremely heavy rainfall means more than 204.5 mm in a single day.

Emergency Services on High Alert

Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant has instructed all district administrations to remain fully prepared for any emergency.

Officials have been directed to:

• Keep Emergency Operation Centres functional 24×7.
• Identify landslide, flash flood and cloudburst-prone locations.
• Take preventive measures in vulnerable areas.
• Keep Quick Response Teams (QRTs), SDRF, NDRF, Home Guards, police, fire services and ambulances on standby.

Public Advisory Issued

The state government has advised residents to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• Stay away from rivers, streams and overflowing nallahs.
• Avoid landslide-prone areas.
• Not attempt to cross flooded roads or submerged bridges.
• Follow official weather advisories.

People have also been asked to contact the state emergency helpline 1070 or the district emergency helpline 1077 in case of emergencies.

Authorities Continue Monitoring Situation

With heavy rainfall expected over the next two days, authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions while rescue and emergency teams remain on alert.

The administration has urged residents to exercise caution as persistent rainfall could trigger additional landslides, flash floods and disruptions across vulnerable regions.

Key Highlights

• Himachal Pradesh is under a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall.
• Educational institutions in Kangra will remain closed on July 20 and 21.
• A flash flood in Kinnaur damaged a strategic road and bridge leading to Army and ITBP posts.
• Examinations in Kangra have been postponed.
• SDRF, NDRF, police and other emergency agencies have been placed on high alert.
• Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers and landslide-prone areas.

FAQs

Why are schools closed in Kangra?

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions have been closed due to the IMD's red alert warning of extremely heavy rainfall.

Which districts are under red alert?

The warning covers Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on Monday, while Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur remain under red alert on Tuesday.

What happened in Kinnaur?

A flash flood at Tubar Nallah damaged a bridge and blocked the Sangla-Chitkul road, disrupting connectivity to Army and ITBP forward posts near the Tibet border.

What precautions has the government taken?

Emergency operation centres have been activated, rescue teams placed on standby, and district administrations instructed to prepare for landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts.

What should residents do during the red alert?

People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers and landslide-prone areas, and follow official advisories issued by the administration.