IMD Orange Alert Prompts School Closures In Himachal's Nahan

Educational institutions in the Nahan subdivision of Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district remained closed on Wednesday after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. The precautionary measure covers all government and private schools, colleges, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and anganwadi centres, with authorities citing student and staff safety as the primary reason for the closure.

The closure was ordered by Nahan Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Rajiv Sankhyan, who directed all educational institutions in the subdivision to suspend regular classes for the day. However, examinations that had already been scheduled will continue as planned. Heads of institutions have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the administration's order while taking all necessary safety precautions.

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, flash floods and landslides in Sirmaur district over the next 24 hours. In addition to Sirmaur, the weather department has warned of a moderate risk of flash floods in six other districts—Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Solan—prompting authorities to remain on high alert.

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Heavy rainfall has already caused significant damage in Chamba district, where flash floods and landslides affected several areas on Tuesday. More than 25 houses and a roadside shop were damaged, while overflowing streams and drains carried mud and debris into nearby residential localities. Despite the extensive damage to property, officials confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far.

The continuous downpour also disrupted transportation and essential services across the state. A landslide near Bhariad on the Udaipur-Golthi-Navodaya Road buried more than a dozen vehicles, including cars, trucks and two-wheelers. In another incident, strong water flow in the Tadoli Nallah swept away large boulders, completely destroying a roadside shop. Overflowing water from the Sultanpur Nallah also damaged several homes in the Sultanpur area.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the adverse weather has left 178 roads blocked due to landslides and flash floods across Himachal Pradesh. In addition, 107 water supply schemes have been disrupted and 62 electricity transformers have been damaged, affecting basic services in several regions. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, remain alert and follow official weather advisories until conditions improve.

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