Heavy Rains Disrupt Life in Himachal Pradesh

Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh have blocked 107 roads, disrupted 91 power schemes, and impacted water supplies. A yellow alert has been issued by the Shimla Meteorological Department, warning of potential damage to plantations and structures. Since the monsoon onset, the state has faced significant rainfall deficit and financial losses.

Heavy rains continued to lash several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, blocking vehicular movement on 107 roads and disrupting 91 power schemes, state officials reported.

The Shimla Meteorological Department has issued a 'yellow' alert for heavy rain in isolated areas of the state until Wednesday, warning of potential damage to plantations, crops, vulnerable structures, and kutcha houses.

The state emergency operation centre confirmed that 48 roads are shut in Shimla, 24 in Mandi, 24 in Kullu, seven in Kangra, two in Kinnaur, and one each in Sirmaur and Una districts. The rains have also impacted 91 power schemes and 36 water supply schemes in the state.

According to rainfall data from Sunday evening until Monday at 5 pm, Naina Devi recorded the highest rainfall at 142.6 mm, followed by Baijnath with 120 mm, Guler with 78.4 mm, and Ghaghas with 60.4 mm. Additional notable rainfall measurements included 60.7 mm in Bilaspur, 57 mm in Jogindernagar, and 50.4 mm in Bharari, among others.

Himachal Pradesh's rainfall deficit since the monsoon onset on June 27 until August 16 stands at 22 per cent, with the state receiving 418 mm of rain against an average of 535.4 mm. Over this period, 126 people have died in rain-related incidents, and the state has suffered financial losses amounting to approximately Rs 1,173 crore.

On Monday, Kukumseri in the tribal Lahaul and Spiti district recorded the lowest night temperature at 9.8 degrees Celsius, while Una was the hottest place in the state with a high of 33.4 degrees Celsius.

(With inputs from agencies.)