Rains in HP, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh remain dry

New Delhi, Sep 11 (UNI) Monsoon remained vigorous in Himachal Pradesh causing moderate to heavy rains in the state during the past 24 hours while Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh remained dry.

Several areas of Himachal Pradesh, including Kangra, Mandi and Hamirpur districts received heavy rains with Naudan in Hamirpur district recording 86.5 mm rainfall overnight. The rains triggered fresh landslides at various places in the state.

Shimla and its adjoining areas were also lashed by moderate rainfall with the capital town recording 5.1 mm downpour till this morning. Upper areas of Shimla district, including tourist places of Wildflower Hall, Kufri, Naldehra and Narkanda, also received rainfall bringing down temperature and forcing tourists to stay indoors.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema are likely to receive widespread rainfall after September 13 with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting formation of an upper cyclonic circulation over west central Bay of Bengal after two days and it might develop into a low pressure subsequently.

Rayalaseema region so far had minus 28 per cent of normal rainfall, while it was -11 per cent in Telangana and -6 per cent in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, he added.

Isolated rain occurred over Telangana, while dry weather prevailed in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema in the last 24 hours.

In West Bengal, hot and sultry weather conditions continued despite drizzle in some isolated areas this morning.

In Kerala, South West Monsoon has been active in the state and Lakshadweep as rain and thundershowers occurred at most places.

Kozhikode and Kochi airport recorded seven cm rains, local weather office said.

Agati, Alwaye and Perumbavoor got two cm rains, followed by Alappuzha, Kottayam, Amini Deep and Cherthala -- one each.

The rain with thundershowers, would occur at many places in Kerala and Lakshadweep in the next 48 hours, the met office added.

UNI TEAM PA RP RK1830