E-Paper
93 killed in rain-related incident this monsoon season in Himachal
Monsoon activity is likely to increase during the next two to three days with fairly widespread precipitation of moderate intensity in the state
As many as 93 people have lost their lives during this year’s monsoon season so far in the state, while another 156 have been injured.
According to the data shared by the department of revenue, 19 people have lost their lives in Kangra, followed by 13 in Mandi, 11 in Solan and 10 in Kullu district. The monsoon this year advanced in Himachal Pradesh on June 27.
While around 80 houses have also been damaged during the monsoon so far, 65 cowsheds have also been damaged. Notably, of all the lives lost during this monsoon season, 49 lives were lost due to various accidents which included accidental drowning and fall from tree or rock.
According to the data compiled by the Jal Shakti department, 1027 water supply schemes have been affected during the Monsoon. Also, a total crop area of 405725 hectares has also been affected during the Monsoon in the state.
Flash flood alert
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Shimla office on Monday sounded a flash flood alert in the districts of Kangra, Mandi and Chamba.
The weather office said surface run-off or inundation may occur at some fully saturated soils and low-lying areas due to expected rainfall occurrence in the next 24 hours.
The various districts of the state will continue to remain under a yellow alert of heavy rain till July 26. Light to moderate rain occurred at most places and heavy rain occurred at isolated places over the state during the last 24 hours with no large change in Minimum and Maximum temperatures.
Blocked due to landslide, NH-5 reopens after 4 hours
National Highway-5 reopened for traffic on Monday morning after remaining blocked for four hours due to a landslide at Nigulsari in Kinnaur district, officials said.
NH-5 or the Hindustan-Tibet Road connects Shimla and Kinnaur districts in Himachal Pradesh.
The landslide occurred on Sunday night. No casualty was reported in the incident.
According to the officials, Nigulsari is prone to landslides and a massive landslide occurred at the same spot in September last year.
The road has been opened for traffic, said National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) executive engineer KL Suman.
Meanwhile, the local meteorological office has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in the state on Monday and Tuesday.
Monsoon activity is likely to increase during the next two to three days with fairly widespread precipitation of moderate intensity in the state, it said.
Spells of heavy to very heavy rainfall are likely at isolated places in 10 of the 12 districts - Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Chamba, Kullu, Solan and Sirmaur during the period, the Met said.
It also cautioned of damage to plantation and crops, vulnerable structures and kutcha houses due to strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
