Heavy Rain Causes Road Closures and Disruption in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh faced severe disruptions following 24 hours of heavy rainfall, causing the closure of 15 roads and disrupting 62 transformers. The weather service has issued a 'yellow' alert predicting more heavy rainfall for the next four days. Damage to infrastructure and crops has also been reported.

Fifteen roads have been closed to vehicular traffic in Himachal Pradesh following a deluge of heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours. The Meteorological Department has issued a 'yellow' alert for heavy rains at isolated locations for the next four days, lasting until July 28.

The emergency operations center reported that 12 of the closed roads are in Mandi, two in Kinnaur, and one in Kangra district. Additionally, 62 transformers across the state have been disrupted. The meteorological office also warned of potential damage to plantations, standing crops, vulnerable structures, and 'kutcha' houses due to strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Intermittent rain has affected various parts of the state, with Baijnath receiving the highest rainfall of 85mm since Tuesday evening. Other affected areas include Palampur with 25.2mm, Jogindernagar with 18mm, and Dharamshala with 10.4mm of rainfall. The adverse weather conditions have already resulted in 49 fatalities and an estimated loss of Rs 389 crore since the monsoon began on June 27. The coldest location recorded was Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti district at 10.2 degrees Celsius, while Una reached the hottest temperature of 36.4 degrees Celsius during the day.