Himachal Rain – Schools and Colleges Closed in Sirmaur and Solan
Himachal Rain – Heavy monsoon rain across Himachal Pradesh led authorities to suspend classes at government and private schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Sirmaur and Solan districts on Friday. The decision followed warnings of very heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides and road disruptions issued by the India Meteorological Department.
District officials said the continuing downpour had affected daily movement in several rural and hill areas, where roads have become difficult to use and the risk of slope failures has increased. Students travelling to and from educational institutions were considered particularly vulnerable during the severe weather spell.
District Orders Issued as Rainfall Intensifies
Separate closure orders were issued by Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Verma and Solan Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma. The orders stated that precautionary action was necessary because persistent rain was disrupting normal life and creating unsafe conditions on roads used by students.
Educational institutions in the Paonta subdivision of Sirmaur had already been directed to remain closed late on Thursday. On Friday morning, the Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Nahan, Sangrah, Pacchad and Rajgarh also announced the closure of schools and colleges under their respective areas.
The orders were issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Officials said teaching and non-teaching staff would continue to report for duty despite the suspension of classes.
Pachhad Records Highest Rainfall in the State
The weather department reported intense rain in several areas from Thursday evening. Pachhad in Sirmaur recorded the highest rainfall at 207 mm, followed by Nahan with 158.5 mm. Kasauli received 145 mm, while Dharampur recorded 136.8 mm during the period.
Other areas also reported significant rainfall. Solan received 113 mm, Palampur recorded 109 mm and Jot measured 83 mm. Jubberhatti received 72.9 mm, while Dhaulakuan recorded 70 mm. Paonta Sahib received 62.8 mm of rain.
Kufri, Bharwain and Ghaghas each recorded 62 mm. Shillaroo received 60.1 mm, Shimla recorded 58.8 mm, Kahu measured 56.8 mm and Mashobra received 55 mm, according to weather data.
Weather Office Warns of Floods and Landslides
The meteorological department warned that the continuing spell of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, falling trees and blockages on major and rural roads. Residents in vulnerable locations have been advised to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rain.
Officials said the closures were aimed at preventing accidents and reducing risks for children travelling through rain-affected areas. District administrations are monitoring the situation and coordinating with local agencies to respond to weather-related emergencies.
Road Connectivity Affected in Several Areas
Rain-related damage and waterlogging also affected transport in other parts of Himachal Pradesh. Several roads in Sirmaur were reported closed, while 27 link roads in Shimla district remained unavailable for vehicle movement, according to the district disaster management authority.
In Shimla city, a wall collapsed in the Vikasnagar area and damaged two parked vehicles. In Brandli village, a retaining wall near a house was damaged due to the rain. Water also entered the Industrial Training Institute campus in Sunni, where officials began evacuation measures as a precaution.