Continuous Rainfall Wreaks Havoc in Himachal Pradesh

After causing massive destruction in the southern states of Kerala and Karnataka, the torrential rains have moved towards the northern belt of the country. Continuous heavy rainfall has resulted in the overflowing of river Beas which has led to landslides in several parts of Himachal Pradesh.

Due to the landslides, the national highways between Chandigarh and Manali and Shimla and Kinnaur have been blocked. Consistent downpour along with flash floods have killed nearly 25 people and injured 12 people. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, this is the highest rainfall recorded in the state in the past 70 years.

Tourists travelling to Kullu, Manali, Keylong, Leh, Jibhi, Banjar, Kaza and Kinnaur have been advised to avoid river beds as the possibility of a flash flood is pretty high. Even schools and colleges in Shimla have been advised to remain shut on August 19 as the incessant rainfalls have caused massive damage to the roads. The landslides had also disrupted the train services along the Shimla &ndash Kalka route, but according to latest reports operations will be resumed on August 19, 2019.

According to reports by Hindustan Times, snowfall in Lahaul &ndash Spiti region has left a lot of tourists stranded in the region. The worst affected is the Miryar valley,which has borne the brunt of the frequent landslides. Rescue operations have been initiated to evacuate the residents of Trindi, Danni, Mairka, Lador, Thanna, Hindoorghaat, Letr and Jassur villages.

Water supply has been affected in the Kangra district due to the continuous rainfall which is expected to be restored in the next two to three days. High alert has been issued in the neighbouring regions of Punjab, Delhi and Uttarakhand.