Severe Rains Disrupt Himachal Pradesh: Roads Closed, Power Outages

Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh have resulted in the closure of 134 roads, including National Highway 5. The state faces issues like power outages, disrupted water supply schemes, and potential flash floods. Rain-related incidents have caused significant damage and fatalities since the monsoon onset.

A total of 134 roads, including National Highway 5, were closed on Thursday in Himachal Pradesh following rains, the state emergency operation centre said.

The local meteorological office warned of low to moderate flash floods in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan districts and issued a yellow alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning at isolated places in the state on September 2.

The meteorological office also predicted heavy rains in 10 out of 12 districts of the state, excepting Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti, on Monday.

Besides National Highway 5 being blocked at Negulsari in Kinnaur district, the maximum of 59 roads were closed in Shimla, 28 in Sirmaur, 16 each in Kullu and Mandi, 10 in Kangra, two in Lahaul and Spiti, and one each in Kinnaur, Una, and Chamba, according to the state emergency operation centre (SEOC).

The SEOC reported disruptions to 132 power and 54 water supply schemes in the state. Moderate rains lashed several parts within the past 24 hours since Wednesday evening.

Chopal recorded 40.4 mm of rain followed by Nahan at 24 mm, Dhaulakuan at 21 mm, Poanta Sahib at 15.4 mm, and numerous other areas receiving between 5 to 15 mm.

Himachal's rainfall deficit since the onset of the monsoon on June 27 stands at 23 percent, with the state receiving 464.1 mm compared to an average of 603.7 mm. Meanwhile, 144 people have died in rain-related incidents this year, and the state has incurred losses amounting to Rs 1,217 crore. Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest temperature at 9.5 degrees Celsius, while Dhaulakuan in Sirmaur district was the hottest at 32.6 degrees.

(With inputs from agencies.)