Himachal Pradesh on Red Alert: Heavy Rains Force School Closures in Three Districts

On the evening of July 20, 2026, the Himachal Pradesh Meteorological Department sounded an alarm that sounded eerily familiar – a red warning for heavy rain across several districts. The word ‘red’ isn’t used lightly; it tells officials and the public that the weather could turn dangerous very quickly.

District magistrates in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur acted fast. Hem Raj Bairwa, the District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of Kangra, issued an immediate directive that all educational institutions – from primary schools to the Central University of Himachal Pradesh – stay closed not just for that night but also for the following day. A similar order came from Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan in Mandi and Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Verma in Sirmaur.

That means every school, college, vocational institute, Anganwadi centre, creche and even the Sanskrit University at Balyahar will be empty on July 20 and July 21. The idea is simple: keep children and staff away from the roads and streams that could become flash‑flood hazards the moment the clouds burst.

The red alert covers more than just those three districts. Chamba was also placed under the warning on the 20th, and Kullu joins the list on the 21st. However, officials have so far only ordered school closures in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur, perhaps because the situation there is expected to be the most severe.

Residents have been advised to stay indoors where possible, avoid low‑lying areas, and keep an eye on local updates. The state’s disaster management machinery is on standby, ready to respond if the rain intensifies further. For now, the precautionary measures – especially the school shutdowns – are a clear sign that authorities are choosing safety over routine.

As the clouds drift over the Himalayan foothills, the hope is that the warning will keep anyone from getting caught off guard. Until the skies clear, teachers are grading papers from home, students are swapping schoolbags for books on their bedside tables, and the mountains hold their breath.