Heavy Rains Trigger Landslides in Himachal, 70 Roads, NH Closed

Shimla: More than 70 roads including a National Highway was closed in Himachal Pradesh on Monday after heavy rains triggered landslides in parts of the state.

According to officials, the Shimla-Kinnaur Road (National Highway 5) was blocked near the Nathpa sliding point in Kinnaur district.

Maximum number of roads have been closed in Mandi (31),  26 in Shimla, four each in Sirmaur and Kinnaur, two each in Hamirpur and Kullu and one in Kangra districts -- besides National Highway 5, are closed for traffic, said state's Emergency Operation Centre. 

“84 transformers and 51 water schemes were also affected,” it added. 

Himachal Pradesh has received moderate showers since Sunday evening. Malroan recorded the highest rainfall at 70 mm, followed by Shimla (44 mm), Kasauli (38.2 mm), Kufri (24.2mm), Nahan (23.1 mm), Sarahan (21 mm), Mashobra (17.5 mm), Palampur (15 mm), Bilaspur (12 mm) and Jubbarhatti (10.5 mm).

The IMD regional centre in Shimla has issued a 'yellow' warning for heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places on July 11-12.

Met Department has warned  that there can be damage to plantation, horticulture and standing crops, partial damage to vulnerable structures, minor damage to kutcha houses and huts due to strong winds and rain, disruption in traffic and waterlogging in low-lying areas. 

(With inputs from PTI)