Heavy Rain Warning in Himachal Pradesh Amid Ongoing Road Closures

Despite mainly dry weather in Himachal Pradesh over the past three days, 23 roads remain closed for traffic. The state Met office warns of heavy rains in Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts on Wednesday, issuing a 'yellow' warning for thunderstorms and lightning in six districts.

Despite mainly dry weather in Himachal Pradesh during the past three days, 23 roads remain closed to vehicular traffic, officials reported on Tuesday.

Kangra faces the maximum closures with ten roads, followed by Mandi with six, Kullu four, Shimla two, and Sirmaur one, alongside nine affected power supply schemes, according to the state emergency operation centre.

The current monsoon season has seen a rain deficit of 21%, with the state receiving 573.7 mm against the normal 723.1 mm of rainfall, the local Met office disclosed on Tuesday.

While the past two days remained mainly dry, the Met office has warned of heavy rainfall in Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts on Wednesday. A 'yellow' warning was also issued for thunderstorms and lightning in six out of the state's 12 districts on Wednesday and Thursday.

Officials have reported 177 deaths from rain-related incidents since the onset of the monsoon season, with 31 people still missing. The state has sustained losses amounting to Rs 1,331 crore.

(With inputs from agencies.)