Monsoon remains active in Himachal Pradesh

Chandigarh, July 29 (UNI) Many areas in north west region continued to receive rains as monsoon remained active in Himachal Pradesh during the past 24 hours.

Iw certain areas of Punjab, the monsoon remained vigorous yesterday, and Haryana also had downpour overnight, bringing down the temperatures and providing respite from hot and humid weather conditions.

Rain-related incidents in the region have claimed the lives of 15 people during the current monsoon season so far. Nine people have died in Himachal Pradesh, four in Haryana and two in Punjab.

Moderate rains lashed Nangal Dam area in Punjab, recording 18.0 mm rain while Ludhiana measured 2.4 mm and Shahpur Kandi 0.6 mm rainfall till this morning. In Haryana, Hissar received 9.8 mm rain 0830 hours.

Widespread rains lashed mid and lower hills of Himachal Pradesh, triggering fresh landslides in interior areas of Kullu and Shimla districts. Landslides have also occured at various points on the 320-km Hindustan-Tibet Road. All rivers, including the Beas and the Sutlej, and their tributaries were in spate.

Heavy rain pounded Kullu, Kangra and Shimla districts last night, inundating low-lying areas. Ghamroor recorded 64.4 mm, Bhuntar 36.2 mm, Rampur 30.0 mm, Kasol 27.4 mm, Sujanpur Tira 17.6 mm, Pandoh 15.5 mm and Barthin 13.1 mm rainfall. Naudan, Guler, Nagrota Surian, Sundernagar and Kalpa also had rainfall.

Rains also lashed Shimla and its adjoining rains and tourist resorts of Wildflower Hall, Kufri, Naldehra and Narkanda in Shimla district. The capital town received 24.8 mm rain till this morning.

Parts of Jammu and Kashmir and the national capital region of Delhi also experienced monsoon showers. Srinagar recorded 7.3 mm while Safdarjung in Delhi registered 7.3 mm and Palam 0.4 mm rain till 0830 hours.

Hot and humid weather conditions prevailed in Chandigarh and its adjoining areas. The city with trace rainfall reported the maximum humidiy at 87 per cent and the minimum humidity at 57 per cent.

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

UNI VKJ AD PM1806