Widspread rain lashes region

Chandigarh, Jun 30 (UNI) Widespread rain lashed many areas in the north-west India as monsoon remained vigorous in Punjab during the past 24 hours, turning out Chandigarh as the wettest place in the region.

Heavy intermittent rain pounded Chandigarh and its adjoining areas since last night, dipping the temperature and providing relief from hot and humid weather conditions. The city recorded 179.6 mm rainfall till 0830 hours, turning out to be the wettest place in Punjab and Haryana.

Several areas in Punjab also experienced moderate rain as monsoon remained vigorous in the state. Ludhiana recorded 37.3 mm rainfall, followed by Amritsar registering 25.0 mm and Patiala 22.6 mm rainfall till this morning.

Monsoon rain also occured at few places in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. In Haryana, Ambala was the wettest place in the state, recording 36.3 mm till this morning. Hissar and Karnal also had rainfall.

Isolated areas in Himachal Pradesh, including Sundernagar, Bhuntar, Nahan and Manali also experienced rainfall. Dharamsala, headquarters of Kangra district, recorded 49.4 mm downpour.

Rain also lashed Shimla and tourist resorts of Wildflower Hall, Kufri, Naldehra and Narkanda last night. The capital town recorded 4.5 mm rainfall till this morning.

The Met office predicted moderate to rather heavy rain or thundershowers at many places in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh during the next 24 hours. It warned of heavy rain at isolated places in the region during the next 36 hours.

UNI VKJ BP2106