The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh is reeling under relentless torrential rains that persisted for over 72 hours, leading to a state of emergency and 21 persons losing their lives, of them eight on Monday.
Six persons were swept away in swollen rivers and drains, highlighting the perils of the incessant downpour. Since the arrival of the monsoon on June 24, the state has witnessed a total of 63 deaths. Buildings and vehicles have been swept away in swollen rivers while the state government has pegged the losses around Rs 4,000 crore.
The adverse weather conditions have also resulted in the postponement of the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in Kullu. Stranded passengers, trapped in tents along the disrupted roads, are expected to be rescued once the weather clears. In Kullu district, a cloudburst on Monday resulted in the loss of 100 bighas of land.
The devastation caused by the deluge is extensive. Construction material worth lakhs of rupees for two under-construction bridges have been washed away, while roads to several villages have been severed. The destruction of 28 houses and damage to 55 others has been reported across the state. Additionally, 92 cowsheds have been swept away, leading to the loss of 12 animals. Over 125 vehicles, including small and large ones, have been buried or swept away by the floods. Kullu district alone has suffered damage to 12 bridges and 828 roads, including seven National Highways.
Moreover, 4,686 power transformers and 4,833 drinking water supply schemes have been affected, causing widespread disruption.
