Himachal rains: 109 roads shut after IMD's flash flood warning
Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has resulted in the closure of 109 roads, including National Highway 707, and disruptions in 427 power supply schemes. The state's meteorological office has issued warnings for flash floods and severe weather conditions through Thursday. The local weather office also warned of a low to moderate risk of flash floods in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Kullu and Kinnaur until Tuesday.
Road closures and power disruptions across districts
National Highway 707 is blocked between Hatkoti in Shimla district and Poanta Sahib in Sirmaur district, reports said. The state emergency operation center (SEOC) reported that 55 roads were closed in Sirmaur, 23 in Shimla, 10 each in Mandi and Kangra, nine in Kullu, and one each in Lahaul and Spiti and Una districts.
Heavy rainfall recorded across Himachal Pradesh
Heavy rains have been reported in parts of Sirmaur, Bilaspur and Mandi districts, with moderate rainfall recorded in several other areas over the past 24 hours since Sunday evening. Nahan in Sirmaur district received the highest rainfall at 143.5mm, followed by Naina Devi with 130mm. Despite these figures, Himachal Pradesh's rainfall deficit since the onset of monsoon on June 27 stands at 23%, with the state receiving only 482.1mm against an average of 623.9mm.
151 dead in rain-related accidents
Rain-related incidents have claimed the lives of 151 people this year, causing losses estimated at ₹1,265 crore. Of the 12 revenue districts in Himachal Pradesh, 11 recorded a rainfall deficit with only Shimla district receiving 10% excess rainfall. The heavy rains have also affected five power and 19 water supply schemes across the state, reports added.
