Heavy Rains Cause Havoc in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh experienced moderate to heavy rains, leading to the closure of 70 roads and disrupting power and water supply schemes. The state faces significant rainfall deficits and heavy losses, with 155 deaths reported in the ongoing monsoon season. Keylong was the coldest area, while Bilaspur remained the warmest.

Moderate to heavy rains were witnessed in several parts of Himachal Pradesh starting from Wednesday evening, resulting in the closure of 70 roads for vehicular traffic, officials confirmed on Thursday.

The highest number of closed roads were reported in Shimla with 29, Mandi with 18, Kangra with 10, Sirmaur with eight, Kullu with two, and one road each in Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, and Una districts, according to data from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).

National Highway 5 (Hindustan-Tibet road) is blocked near Negulsari in Kinnaur district. Additionally, 13 power lines and one water supply scheme have been disrupted, the SEOC stated.

Intermittent moderate to heavy rains hit parts of the state, bringing 139.4 mm of rain to Dharamshala since Wednesday evening. Other rainfall figures include Poanta Sahib with 32.6 mm, Pachhad and Bijahi with 30 mm each, Dhaulakuan with 18.5 mm, and Nahan with 11 mm.

Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, Himachal Pradesh has faced a 22 per cent rainfall deficit, recording 502.7 mm against an average of 643.3 mm.

The ongoing monsoon season has resulted in 155 deaths from rain-related incidents and financial losses amounting to Rs 1,303 crore, officials said.

Temperature extremes were noted with Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti being the coldest at 9.9 degrees Celsius, while Bilaspur was the hottest recording a maximum temperature of 33.9 degrees Celsius.

(With inputs from agencies.)