Shimla, July 29 (PTI) As many as 152 roads across Himachal Pradesh are closed for traffic due to landslides and flashfloods triggered by torrential rains, even as persistent, heavy showers lashed parts of the state on Wednesday.
According to the state emergency operation centre (SEOC), the maximum number of road closures have been reported from Mandi district with 57 roads blocked, followed by 33 in Chamba, 31 in Kullu, 14 in Shimla, two in Una and one in Lahaul-Spiti.
Additionally, 68 water supply projects and 72 power transformers have been hit.
Moderate to heavy rainfall was witnessed in most parts in the 24 hours since Tuesday evening, with Palampur recording 133-mm rainfall, followed by Jogindernagar (112 mm), Kangra (104 mm), Dharamshala (82 mm), Rampur (45 mm), Guler (42.2 mm) and Jot (41 mm).
The Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued an ‘orange’ alert cautioning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Chamba, Kangra and Mandi districts on Thursday, and Chamba and Kangra on Friday.
Inundation may occur at some saturated and low-lying areas, the weather office said, urging people to avoid venturing near rivers and streams and to heed weather warnings.
According to India Meteorological Department’s colour-coded weather warning system, an “orange alert” signifies severe weather is imminent, cautioning citizens of significant disruptions to transport and power, among others.
All educational and technical institution including schools, colleges and Anganwadis, remained closed in Nahan subdivision of Sirmaur district on Wednesday, in view of the heavy rain forecast.
On the day, Bharmaur in Chamba district was coldest, recording a low of 12 degrees Celsius, while Una was the hottest with a maximum temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius.
Himachal Pradesh received 258.2-mm rainfall against an average of 238.6 mm between July 1 and 29, an excess of 8 per cent. PTI
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