Nine people killed in building collapse in HP

Chandigarh, July 28 (UNI) At least nine people were killed in a building collapse in Himachal Pradesh as widespread rain lashed many areas in north-west India during the past 24 hours.

At least nine labourers were buried alive and seven others injured seriously when a two-storey building under construction crashed at Baga village in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh late last night following rains. The building collapsed after its retaining wall gave way, a report from Shimla, quoting police, said.

With these deaths, the toll in rain-related incidents rose to 15 in the region so far. Four people have died in Haryana and two in Punjab during the current monsoon season.

Monsoon remained vigorous in Punjab and active in Himachal Pradesh. Moderate to heavy rain pounded several areas in Punjab with Shahpur Kandi turning the wettest place recording 67.4 mm rainfall till this morning. Amritsar measured 62.0 mm and Ranjit Sagar Dam site 43.4 mm and Nangal Dam 4.0 mm.

Several areas in Haryana also experienced moderate rain. Hissar recorded 4.0 mm, Narnaul 3.3 mm, Karnal 2.2 mm and Ambala 0.2 mm.

Monsoon remained active in Himachal Pradesh with rains lashing many areas in the state since last night, triggering fresh landslides especially in interior areas.

Heavy rain was reported from Naudan in Hamirpur district, recording 29.5 mm, followed by Sujanpur Tira 28.0 mm, Bhang Manali 26.4 and Solang Nullah 22.2 mm. Sundernagar, Bhuntar, Kasol, Nahan and Kalpa also experienced rainfall.

Moderate rain lashed Shimla and tourist resorts of Wildflower Hall, Kufri, Naldehra and Narkanda. The rains triggered fresh landslides in upper areas of Shimla district and Kullu district.

Shimla recorded 11.7 mm rainfall till this morning. A dense fog enveloped the capital town which reduced visibility considerably, forcing vehicular traffic to move with headlights on.

Monsoon rains also pounded parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu reported heavy downpour, recording 103 mm while Srinagar measured 6.6 mm rain till this morning.

Chandigarh and its adjoining areas had trace rainfall and the Sun played hide and seeek with monsoon clouds hovering in the skies during the day.

The Met office predicted moderate to heavy rain or thundershowers in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh during the next 24 hours.

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