Himachal: Torrential rain closes 153 roads; MeT issues orange alert for heavy rain

SHIMLA, Aug 8: Torrential rains have led to the closure of 153 roads in Himachal Pradesh, and the Shimla MeT office on Saturday issued an 'orange alert' for heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places in the state on Monday and Tuesday.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), 77 water supply schemes and 92 transformers were also disrupted as of Saturday morning.

A total of 65 roads were blocked in Mandi, followed by 42 in Kullu, 26 in Shimla, 8 in Sirmaur, 5 in Kangra, 4 in Chamba and 3 in Una district, officials said.

Since the monsoon began on June 30, 66 people have died in rain-related incidents so far, including 14 in landslides and one in flash floods, officials said, adding that the state has suffered losses totalling Rs 835 crore.

The weather department has predicted a wet spell in the state till August 14.

Light to moderate rain lashed several parts of the state since Friday evening.

Dharamshala recorded the highest rainfall at 51.2 mm, followed by Bajaura (31.5 mm), Manali (22 mm), Slapper (21.8 mm), and Bhuntar (21 mm).  Murari Devi received 20 mm, Kothi 18 mm, and Jogindernagar 16 mm, while Sarahan recorded 15.6 mm. Sundernagar and Shimla each received 15 mm. (PTI)