Pre-monsoon rains drench Himachal and Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Jun 12 (UNI) Pre-monsoon showers today provided relief from sweltering heat in Chandigarh and adjoining areas while traffic was affected in areas surrounding Shimla due to land slides triggered by heavy rains.

According to Met office, Shimla and adjoining areas received rainfall of 80.4 mm, the maximum rainfall recorded during the last 24 hrs this season, Shimla Meteorological Office Director Manmohan Singh told UNI. Heavy rains were expected in many places in the state during next 48 hours, he said.

He said the town had recorded a maximum of 114.4 mm rain on June eight, 2000 followed by 88.3 mm on June 11, 1998 and 81.1 mm rain on June 17, 2004.

Mr Sharma said the monsoon would reach the state in another four or five days. The southwest monsoon has reached eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh.

The met office said the famous tourist resort of Dharamshala in Kangra district also recorded 14.6 mm overnight rains followed by 1.1 mm at Sundernagar, and .5 and .6 mm rain at Bhuntar and Kalpa.

The rains continued to lash the district this afternoon, throwing life out of gear at many places.

Pre-monsoon showers brought the temperature down in some places in Punjab and Haryana. Ambala, Rohtak, Panchkula in Haryana received good showers. People in the City Beautiful too, cooled off under the drizzle.

The Met office has predicted heavy rains with thunder in Himachal while Punjab, Haryana and adjoining areas may also receive light showers next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the rains lashing Himachal hills washed down silt into Sutlej river yesterday, bringing to halt production in 1500 mg unit of the Nathpa-Jhakhdi power project.

UNI XC JN VN1833