Himachal Pradesh Faces Heavy Rainfall Alert, Road Closures and Damage

The regional Met office issued a 'yellow' alert for heavy rain in 10 Himachal Pradesh districts till August 20, closing 58 roads including a national highway. Warnings of flash flood risk and damage to crops and structures have been given. Rainfall disrupted power and water supply and caused substantial losses.

The regional Met office on Friday issued a 'yellow' alert for heavy rain in 10 of Himachal Pradesh's 12 districts till August 20. Showers in parts of the state led to the closure of 58 roads, including a national highway.

The wet spell in the state is likely to continue till August 22, according to the Met office. Authorities have warned of low-flash flood risk in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts till Saturday. There is also a caution about possible damage to plantations, crops, vulnerable structures, and kutcha houses.

The National Highway 707 between Hatkoti in Shimla district and Poanta Sahib in Sirmaur district was among the 58 roads closed due to rain on Friday, the State Emergency Operation Centre confirmed. Additionally, 19 roads are closed in Shimla, 14 in Mandi, 12 in Kangra, eight in Kullu, three in Kinnaur, and one each in Sirmaur and Lahaul & Spiti districts. Rainfall has also disrupted 31 power and four water supply schemes.